Essential Apps for Travelers in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's mobile ecosystem is built around mobile money and a few reliable pan-African and local apps. Download these essentials before landing to handle payments, transport, navigation, food delivery and shopping more smoothly.
Before You Arrive in Burkina Faso
- Download offline maps of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso in Google Maps or Maps.me, and download French language packs in Google Translate.
- Install Orange Money and Moov Money apps in advance, but remember you will need a local SIM and ID to register and activate mobile money once in Burkina Faso.
Top Apps for Travelers in Burkina Faso
Orange Money Burkina Faso
Language: French, English
Mobile money wallet for Orange Burkina subscribers. Use it to send and receive money, pay merchants, buy airtime and data, and withdraw cash at Orange Money agent points.
Moov Money Burkina Faso
Language: French
Moov Africa's mobile wallet in Burkina Faso. Useful as a backup or alternative for transfers, bill payments, merchant payments, and cash-in/cash-out at agents.
Yango
Language: French, English
Ride-hailing app operating in Ouagadougou. Book a private taxi, see the fare before confirming, and pay by cash or mobile money depending on the driver.
Google Maps
Language: English, French, many languages
Main navigation app for city directions, finding hotels, restaurants and landmarks in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Save offline maps for areas with poor coverage.
Maps.me
Language: English, French, many languages
Offline map app using OpenStreetMap data. Download Burkina Faso region maps in advance to navigate without mobile data, especially outside major cities.
Naïka
Language: French
Local on-demand delivery app in Ouagadougou for restaurant meals, groceries, and pharmacy products. Order through the app and have items delivered by motorcycle courier.
Jumia Burkina Faso
Language: French
Local e-commerce marketplace for electronics, fashion, home goods, and some groceries. Pay via mobile money or cash on delivery and choose delivery in major cities.
Google Translate
Language: English, French, many languages
Use the French offline language pack to translate menus, signs, and conversations between French and English without needing a constant connection.
Language: English, French, many languages
Widely used in Burkina Faso for messaging and voice calls. Many small restaurants, guesthouses and drivers use WhatsApp for reservations and orders.
Tips for Using Apps in Burkina Faso
- Buy a local Orange, Moov Africa, or Telecel SIM with a data plan at the airport or in town; apps and mobile money depend on reliable local coverage.
- Mobile data can be slow or intermittent outside Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, so preload maps and keep cash for fares and small payments.
- Register mobile money with your passport and local SIM; many businesses and ride-hail drivers prefer Orange Money or Moov Money, but cash remains common.
- Check that delivery and ride-hailing services cover your area: Yango and Naïka are most reliable in Ouagadougou, with much thinner availability in smaller towns.
Conclusion
With mobile money, an offline map, and a ride or delivery app set up, travelers can navigate Burkina Faso's main cities more independently. Outside major urban areas, keep offline tools and cash ready.