Verified Facts
The internet in Burkina Faso is relatively underdeveloped, with moderate mobile network coverage and limited WiFi availability, but tourists and travelers can still access the internet through various means, including purchasing a local SIM card or using hotel WiFi.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Burkina Faso is characterized by a significant urban-rural divide, with faster and more reliable internet connections available in major cities such as Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, while rural areas often have limited or no internet access. The average internet speed in Burkina Faso is around 5 Mbps download, which is relatively slow compared to other countries in the region. However, the internet is generally reliable in urban areas, with occasional outages and disruptions, but these are usually quickly resolved.
Despite the challenges, the Burkinabe government has made efforts to improve internet access and quality, particularly in urban areas, with the deployment of 4G networks and the introduction of new internet service providers. However, more needs to be done to address the significant digital divide between urban and rural areas, and to improve the overall quality and reliability of the internet in Burkina Faso. The lack of internet infrastructure in rural areas is a major obstacle to economic development and social progress, and it is essential that the government and private sector invest in expanding internet access to these areas.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Burkina Faso, tourists and travelers can visit the offices of the main mobile carriers, such as Telmob, Onatel, and Orange Burkina Faso, which are usually located in major cities. To purchase a SIM card, you will need to provide a valid passport and proof of address, and the cost is around 5 USD for a tourist SIM. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a reputable carrier, as they offer better coverage and quality of service. Data plans are also available, with prices starting from around 1 USD per day for 100 MB of data.
It is also possible to purchase a SIM card from street vendors or small shops, but it is essential to ensure that the SIM card is genuine and not stolen or counterfeit. It is also recommended to check the coverage and quality of the network before purchasing a SIM card, as some carriers may have better coverage in certain areas.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telmob | Prepaid | 100 MB | 1 | Valid for 1 day |
| Onatel | Internet Package | 1 GB | 5 | Valid for 7 days |
| Orange Burkina Faso | Data Plan | 500 MB | 2 | Valid for 3 days |
| Telecel Faso | Tourist SIM | 200 MB | 3 | Valid for 5 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is not well-developed in Burkina Faso, but some cafes and restaurants in major cities offer free WiFi to their customers
- Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular in Ouagadougou and other major cities, and they often offer high-speed internet and other amenities
- Public WiFi is not widely available in Burkina Faso, but some public spaces such as airports and train stations may offer free WiFi
- Some restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi, but the quality of the connection can be variable
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces such as Hub Africa and Impact Hub Ouagadougou offer high-speed internet and other amenities for remote workers
- Reliable cafe chains such as Cafe de Rome and Cafe des Nations offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment
- Backup internet options such as mobile hotspots and satellite internet are available, but they can be expensive and have limited coverage
- VPNs are recommended to ensure secure and private internet access, particularly when using public WiFi networks
- Some hotels and resorts also offer coworking spaces and other amenities for remote workers, such as the Hotel Splendid and the Hotel Palm Beach
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is not a significant issue in Burkina Faso, but some websites may be blocked due to security concerns
- It is essential to use a VPN when accessing the internet in public spaces to ensure secure and private access
- Roaming alternatives such as eSIMs and portable WiFi hotspots are available, but they can be expensive
- It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card or use a portable WiFi hotspot instead of relying on roaming services
- Some websites and online services may not be available in Burkina Faso due to geographical restrictions
- It is essential to be aware of the local internet laws and regulations, and to respect the digital privacy of others when using the internet in public spaces.