Gogo: Burkina Faso/Digital The first edition of the Grand Data Fair in Africa is scheduled for July 15 and 16, 2026, aiming to position Burkina Faso as a leader in digital sovereignty and technological innovation across the continent.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Djibrill Pierre Clavair Pamousso, the promoter of the Grand Salon de la Data en Afrique (GSDA), revealed at a press conference that the event seeks to create a pan-African platform to educate companies about the importance of data.
Mr. Pamousso emphasized that the initiative will assist African states, businesses, and institutions in understanding and leveraging data to fast-track digital transformation across the continent. He noted the current trend among administrations and companies to integrate artificial intelligence without a solid foundation in data culture, stating, "We want to move towards artificial intelligence, but that starts with data."
The event will highlight the need for technological solutions tailored to African contexts, including the integration of local languages into digital tools and AI systems. Pamousso mentioned the potential for AI to incorporate languages like Moore, Dioula, and Fulfulde, enhancing its relevance and accessibility.
With the theme "Building African data ecosystems: training, regulation, innovation and governance," the event will gather digital experts, public institution representatives, private companies, startups, researchers, students, and digital technology enthusiasts from various African nations. Ou©draogo Wendyam Carine Gloria, head of partnership/sponsorship, stated that GSDA 2026 intends to facilitate discussions and experience-sharing regarding data, AI, and African digital sovereignty.
The two-day event will feature a range of activities, including panels, conferences, round tables, specialized training, hackathons, masterclasses, and technology exhibitions. Training sessions will focus on data-related professions to enhance young people's skills and employability in the digital and AI sectors.
Ou©draogo also highlighted that the event will serve as a platform for dialogue with ministries and public institutions to identify problems that data strategies can address. She stressed the aim to demonstrate how data can enhance public governance, decision-making, citizen services, and business competitiveness.
The fair will feature participation from numerous Burkinabe public and private entities engaged in digital technology, statistics, communication, economics, and culture, alongside African experts sharing their experiences and innovations. The promoters anticipate over 1,000 participants, seeking to forge collaborative opportunities among states, researchers, companies, startups, and technical partners to expedite Africa's digital transformation.
Additionally, exhibition spaces will allow companies, institutions, and startups to showcase their technological solutions and innovations to the public and potential investors.