Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is gradually rising as a possible location for digital business. While its IT business is still growing, the rising demand for digital solutions, mobile technology, and internet usage offers exciting possibilities. If you’re considering starting an IT business in Burkina Faso, this full guide explains key steps, hurdles, and tips to help you achieve.
Market research and opportunity identification
Before getting in, it’s important to understand the local IT scene.Although Burkina Faso is not a big tech hub yet, it has seen greater growth of smart phones and internet services. Many government services are going digital, and SMEs are looking for cheap tech choices.Common choices include:
- Web and mobile app development
- Digital marketing and SEO services
- IT training and schooling
- Software as a Service (SaaS) for SMEs
- Cybersecurity answers
Study your industry, find underserved areas, and align your services with local needs.
Business registration and legal requirements
To properly run a business in Burkina Faso, take these steps:
Choose a legal structure
Most IT businesses register as a sole proprietorship, SARL (LLC), or SA (corporation), based on size and partners.
Register with the centre de formalités des entreprises (CEFORE)
This is the one-stop shop for business registration.
Obtain a tax identification number (TIN)
Get TIN from the General Directorate of Taxes.
Register with CNSS
If you plan to hire staff, register with the National Social Security Fund. The filing process is relatively fast and can be finished in a few days if all papers are in order.
Infrastructure and technology needs
Launching an IT business needs good technology.While internet access is better in big places like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso; connectivity may still be unstable in rural areas. Choose your working spot wisely.For infrastructure:
- Invest in a solid internet link (think fiber lines or 4G backup)
- Acquire necessary hardware: laptops, servers, routers, etc.
- Use cloud-based tools for freedom and cost-effectiveness
Build a skilled team
Finding the right talent is important.The local population is young and eager to learn, but may need extra training in advanced IT skills.Consider:
- Partnering with schools and tech hubs to hire interns or recent grads
- Offering on-the-job training classes
- Hiring freelancers for special skills like UI/UX design, hacking, etc.
Alternatively, remote workers or partners from abroad can help your local team.
Funding your IT startup
You can fund your IT business through several means:
- Personal savings or family support: Still the most popular way in Burkina Faso
- Microfinance groups and neighborhood banks: Offer business loans, though interest rates can be high
- International funds and incubators: Programs like Orange Fab, CTIC Dakar, or UNDP projects help African tech companies
- Angel backers or startup capital:These are rare but growing, especially for possible digital projects
Prepare a good business plan to improve your chances of getting funds.
Marketing and client acquisition
Promoting your IT business is important in a market that is still changing to digital services. Focus on:
- Online presence: Build a professional website and stay involved on social media
- Networking: Attend tech events, lessons, and join area business groups
- Word of mouth: Referrals still play a big part, especially for B2B services
- Government and NGO contracts: Target bids for digitization or IT help
Building trust and giving reliable services will help you gain recurring clients.
Navigating challenges
Running an IT business in Burkina Faso comes with hurdles:
- Infrastructure limitations: Unreliable electricity or internet may affect activities
- Limited access to funding: Especially for startups without collateral
- Low digital literacy: Some possible clients may not fully understand your services
Overcoming these hurdles takes patience, flexibility, and creativity. Offer customer education, stay open in your processes, and find ways to work around infrastructural problems.
Final thoughts
Establishing an IT company in Burkina might not be as simple as burning past economies, but it indeed puts one in a unique position. Under right alignment, local connection, and persistence, it may well build great tech companies contributing to the country’s digital change.
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