National lottery operator strengthens compliance culture and digital responsibility in partnership with data protection authority
Burkina Faso’s national lottery operator, LONAB, has officially launched a nationwide awareness campaign focused on personal data protection, marking a significant step toward strengthening digital governance and compliance within the country’s gaming and lottery sector. The initiative underscores growing concerns around data privacy as organizations increasingly rely on digital systems to manage customer, employee, and commercial information.
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the country’s data protection authority, the Commission de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CIL), reflecting a coordinated effort between a major public enterprise and national regulators to promote responsible data handling practices across multiple levels of operation.
The programme, which began on June 15, is scheduled to run until June 29 and will cover LONAB’s operational network across Burkina Faso, including its headquarters in Ouagadougou and regional agencies in various provinces.
Strengthening Awareness Across the Organisation
At the core of the campaign is a structured effort to improve understanding of personal data protection obligations among LONAB employees, sales representatives, and business partners. The initiative aims to ensure that individuals involved in the collection, processing, and storage of personal data are fully aware of their responsibilities under national data protection regulations.
LONAB has emphasized that it routinely handles a wide range of sensitive information, including customer details, employee records, and commercial partner data. As digital transformation continues to expand within the organisation, the need for robust data governance frameworks has become increasingly critical.
By rolling out this awareness programme, the operator seeks to embed data protection principles into its day-to-day operations and strengthen internal compliance mechanisms.
Partnership with the Data Protection Authority
The collaboration with the CIL plays a central role in the campaign’s structure and execution. Joint teams from both LONAB and the regulatory authority are conducting on-site awareness sessions across the country. These sessions are designed to educate staff and stakeholders on best practices in data protection, clarify regulatory requirements, and reinforce accountability in handling personal information.
The initiative also highlights the importance of aligning operational practices with national legislation governing data privacy and information security. By working closely with the regulator, LONAB aims to ensure that its systems and procedures reflect current legal standards while adapting to emerging digital risks.
Leadership Emphasizes Responsibility and Compliance
During the official launch ceremony, Technical Advisor Aymar Tiendrebeogo, representing LONAB’s Director General Ibrahim Zarani, highlighted the growing importance of data protection in modern organisational management. He noted that safeguarding personal data has become a key priority as digital tools increasingly shape how institutions operate and engage with the public.
Tiendrebeogo emphasized that the campaign is part of LONAB’s broader commitment to responsible governance and institutional transparency. He also positioned the initiative as an effort to set a benchmark for other public sector organizations in Burkina Faso by demonstrating proactive compliance with data protection standards.
Building a Culture of Data Protection
According to LONAB’s Director of Gaming Supervision, Pascal Kiendrebeogo, the campaign is designed to reach all stakeholders within the organisation’s ecosystem, including internal staff, regional sales representatives, and external partners. He stressed that effective data protection requires more than regulatory compliance, it must become part of the organisation’s daily operational culture.
The sessions being conducted throughout the campaign will focus on practical guidance, including how to securely collect, store, and process personal data, as well as how to identify and mitigate potential risks related to data misuse or breaches.
Advancing Digital Trust in the Gaming Sector
The nationwide initiative reflects a broader trend across Africa’s gaming and lottery industries, where digital transformation is increasing the importance of cybersecurity and data protection frameworks. For LONAB, the campaign represents both a compliance measure and a strategic step toward strengthening public trust in its services.
By prioritizing data protection awareness and regulatory cooperation, LONAB aims to position itself as a leading example of responsible data management within Burkina Faso’s public sector and the wider West African gaming ecosystem. The campaign is expected to contribute to improved governance standards and reinforce confidence among customers and stakeholders in the integrity of the organisation’s operations.
