Nelly Sanon advocates for African-led AI solutions and ethical biometric systems
via Lefaso.net8 min read
Nelly Sanon, a researcher at a laboratory affiliated with the National Center for Scientific Research CNRS, focuses her work on ensuring equity in biometric systems. These technologies, used in various applications from phones to border control, identify individuals based on physical characteristics. Sanon highlights that these systems are not neutral, with studies indicating they are less effective at recognizing certain populations, including people with darker skin, women, and the elderly. She explains that a system's failure to recognize someone is not merely a technical issue but can lead to humiliating or discriminatory experiences. Her research aims to analyze these biases, understand their origins, and develop algorithmic solutions to correct them. Sanon's journey into artificial intelligence was unconventional. After initially pursuing civil engineering in France following her scientific baccalaureate in Burkina Faso, she transitioned to a preparatory class for top engineering schools in Paris. Despite initial struggles, particularly in computer science, she developed a deep interest in the field. A pivotal moment was her experience at the VivaTech exhibition in Paris, where direct exposure to innovative robotics and AI projects solidified her passion. Operating in a male-dominated field, Sanon has faced stereotypes and questions about her ambitions, but these challenges have fueled her determination. Beyond her research, she champions an ethical, inclusive, and Afri
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The football federations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have submitted a joint declaration of interest to co-host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations CAN. This announcement was made by the Nigerien Football Federation FENIFOOT in a statement dated July 20, 2026. The declaration of interest aligns with Article 7.3 of the Confederation of African Football CAF bid regulations, officially initiating their participation in the bidding process. A working meeting took place in New York on July 18, 2026, between CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the presidents of the football federations from the three nations. During this meeting, the CAF President acknowledged the shared ambition of the three states to jointly organize the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. The federations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger plan to continue their collaboration to prepare the full bid dossier.
Burkina Faso's Prime Minister inaugurated the 50 MW thermal power plant in Pabré, marking a significant step towards the nation's energy independence. This event followed the laying of the first stone for the future 120 MW Ouaga South-East thermal power plant in Saaba, an infrastructure project estimated to cost 133 billion FCFA. The Prime Minister emphasized that energy sovereignty is crucial for Burkina Faso, stating that the country will not rest until national electricity production surpasses demand. He highlighted that past reliance on electricity imports proved limited, exposing the country to external disruptions. The current strategy focuses on building domestic production capacities to achieve strategic autonomy and energy sovereignty, aligning with the vision of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The Minister of Energy, Mines, and Careers, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, noted that the Pabré plant's commissioning represents more than just an investment, reflecting the government's commitment to national sovereignty, economic development, and improving citizens' living conditions. Massoud Hassan Abdo Jaied, General Administrator of Al Ahram Taqa Burkina, expressed gratitude to Burkinabe authorities and partners, reaffirming his group's commitment to supporting Burkina Faso's energy sovereignty journey. In recognition of their contributions, the CEO and General Administrator of Al Ahram Taqa were awarded the rank of Knight of the Burkinabe Order of Merit. The Pabré p
Must ReadLe Havre du Bon Pasteur, a center in Bobo-Dioulasso, provides a sanctuary for young women facing extreme vulnerability, including victims of violence, forced marriages, and unwanted pregnancies. Established in February 2012 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, the center aims to help these women regain their dignity and rebuild their lives. Aïda, a young student, shared her story of being raped after her baccalaureate, leading to an unwanted pregnancy. She found support and a path to continue her studies at the center, aspiring to become an electronics engineer. The center, led by Sister Yvonne Clémence Bambara, offers comprehensive support, including psychological counseling, medical care with partners like Médecins Sans Frontières, spiritual guidance, and educational or vocational training. Social worker Aïcha Traoré and Sister Christine Oubda work daily to provide a nurturing environment, helping residents overcome emotional trauma and achieve autonomy. Since its opening, Le Havre du Bon Pasteur has assisted 181 young women, despite having an official capacity of 15. The center often exceeds its capacity to accommodate urgent cases, highlighting the significant need in the Guiriko region, where it is the only facility of its kind. The sisters emphasize the importance of societal change to prevent victim blaming and ensure young girls have choices for their future. They also prioritize family mediation but will involve police and social services when