Consultation Workshop on the Regulatory Framework for E-commerce Payment Services

Bujumbura, 4 June 2026

The Financial, digital and legal stakeholders gathered in Bujumbura for a technical validation workshop on the draft circular governing payment services within Burundi’s National E-commerce Ecosystem.

Organised by the Association of Banks and Financial Institutions of Burundi (ABEF), the workshop brought together 39 stakeholders from public and private institutions. Participants included all ABEF member banks, the Network of Microfinance Institutions (RIM), the ICT Sectoral Chamber, the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB), the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB), and the Agency for Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (ARCT), alongside other stakeholders from the financial and digital sectors.

Developed by Mr Matendo Fernand, an e-commerce expert, the proposed circular was reviewed by participants, who made recommendations on several issues, particularly strengthening the legal framework governing escrow accounts, ensuring consistency with foreign exchange regulations, and addressing anti-money laundering requirements.

Following the workshop, the validation report was submitted to the BRB for the next stage of the regulatory process. This process culminated in the issuance by the Governor of the Central Bank of Circular No. 008/SP/2026 on Payment Services within Burundi’s National E-commerce Ecosystem, published on 8 July 2026.

The circular marks an important step towards operationalising the National E-commerce Ecosystem by establishing a dedicated regulatory framework for payment services associated with e-commerce. It also demonstrates how consultation and collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders can contribute to developing the regulatory instruments needed to advance e-commerce in Burundi.