🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Naana Technologies advances Burkina Faso's technological sovereignty in defense and security
via Lefaso.net4 min read
Lionel Nikièma, project manager at Naana Technologies, discussed developing national capabilities to reduce external technological dependence. He emphasized that technological autonomy involves understanding, adapting, improving, maintaining, evolving, and critically evaluating technology, rather than immediately manufacturing everything locally. Nikièma identified four key pillars for technological autonomy: human capital, applied research, local integration, and strategic vision. Naana Technologies has trained over 500 defense and security agents as trainers to enhance their peers' capacities. Local engineers at Naana Technologies have developed solutions tailored to the needs of defense and security forces, establishing communication channels for feedback and operational requirements. For local integration, Naana Technologies adapts imported technology, such as developing dropping devices compatible with existing drones used by security forces. Nikièma proposed creating a national innovation, defense, and security fund, financed by a 0.5% to 1% levy on technology imports. He also suggested reforming tender processes to focus on problem-solving rather than specific equipment, and establishing a framework for testing prototypes and innovations. Naana Technologies showcases locally developed technologies, including the "NIMIR" permanent perimeter surveillance system, which is autonomous, solar-powered, and uses integrated AI to detect and track people, vehicles, and flying ob
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