The Best Coworking Spaces and Wi-Fi Cafes in Ouagadougou (Don’t Ask Me How I Know)

okay, so, Ouagadougou. seriously, it’s… something. like, I landed last week and my brain’s still trying to process the sheer volume of everything. it’s not like Paris, you know? not trying to be reductive, but it’s got this raw, almost frantic energy. the air smells like woodsmoke and something vaguely spicy - probably the taglines. and the humidity? forget about it. it’s clinging to you like a persistent admirer.

I’ve been trying to find a decent place to actually work, you know? not just stare at my laptop while dodging motorbikes. and let me tell you, the Wi-Fi situation is… variable. like, seriously variable. I’m talking ‘buffer-every-other-sentence’ variable. but I’ve managed to sniff out a few spots that are actually worth their salt.

*Here’s the lowdown, straight from the trenches:

*La Maison de la Culture: This place is a legit coworking space. They’ve got decent desks, reliable Wi-Fi (mostly), and a surprisingly chill vibe. It’s a bit pricier - around 8,000 CFA per day - but it’s worth it if you need a solid base. TripAdvisor Link - read the reviews, they’re mostly positive, but someone mentioned a rogue pigeon incident.
*Café des Arts: Okay, this is more of a ‘Wi-Fi cafe’ vibe. It’s a beautiful space, all exposed brick and local art. The coffee is decent (they use Ethiopian beans, apparently), and the Wi-Fi is… okay. It’ll work, but don’t expect miracles. Around 500 CFA for a coffee and a spot. Yelp Link
*Le Petit Coin: This is my current obsession. It’s a tiny, unassuming place tucked away on a side street near the marché de l’électricité. The owner, a guy named Issa, is a legend. He’s got a satellite internet connection that’s actually fast, and he makes the best mint tea you’ll ever have. 3,000 CFA for the day. Reddit Link - someone posted about this place last month.
*The Hotel Burkina Faso Lobby: Don’t laugh. Seriously. The Wi-Fi is surprisingly good, and it’s a decent place to people-watch. Plus, you can order a beer. 1,000 CFA for a day pass. Local Forum Link - a local group suggested this as a backup.

Cost of Living - Rough Estimate (as of today, October 26th, 2023):

Overheard Gossip:

“Don’t go near the Place de la République after dark. Seriously. Just… don’t. Heard some shady characters hanging around.” - A taxi driver, nursing a beer.

“The expats are obsessed with the Palais Présidentiel. Like, really obsessed. It’s a giant, imposing thing. Makes you feel small.” - A student, sketching in a notebook.

“You have to try the twi-twi. It’s… an experience. Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart.” - A local vendor, grinning.


Weather & Neighbors:* It’s currently raining - not a gentle rain, mind you. It’s like someone turned on a sprinkler system and forgot to turn it off. It’s the kind of rain that seeps into your bones. The air feels thick, like a wet blanket. You can almost smell the earth. Just a short flight away, you’ve got Bobo-Dioulasso, which is supposedly a bit drier and more laid-back. And further north, Banfora - they’re famous for the Cascades de Ziguinay, which are supposedly insane.

Honestly, Ouagadougou is… intense. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for something a little different, something a little raw, something that will challenge you, then you might just find yourself falling for it. Just bring a good umbrella and a strong Wi-Fi password.

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