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Validation Ceremonies for Burundi’s National E-Commerce Strategy and Practical Guide of National E-Commerce Ecosystem 

On 28 November 2025,
Burundi took a major step towards structuring its e-commerce sector with the official validation of the National E-Commerce Development Strategy and the Practical Guide to the National E-Commerce Ecosystem, held at the Best Outlook Hotel in Bujumbura.

The ceremonies were jointly presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Trade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for the Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, the Governor of the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB), the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCT), and representatives of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) and the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB).

This broad institutional participation reflects the cross-cutting nature of e-commerce, which involves trade, digital technologies, payments, taxation, customs, logistics, and consumer protection.

The event also received coverage from national and regional media outlets, notably Yaga Burundi and Agence Ecofin, highlighting the interest generated by this Burundian initiative.

The National E-Commerce Development Strategy of Burundi sets out the main policy directions and national priorities for promoting the development of the sector, while the Practical Guide to Burundi’s National E-Commerce Ecosystem, complemented by the National E-commerce Guidelines, establishes an operational framework defining the roles, responsibilities, and requirements applicable to the various stakeholders within the national ecosystem.

The validation of these two instruments marks a decisive milestone in the process of structuring e-commerce in Burundi, paving the way for a better-coordinated, safer, and more enabling e-commerce environment that supports the development of the digital economy.

Fernand Matendo,

Expert who facilitated the development of these documents

Statements by Key Stakeholders

"Through this framework, the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCT) intends to fully assume its regulatory and supervisory role by contributing to the harmonization and coordination of the various e-commerce stakeholders. The Practical Guide and the National Strategy therefore serve as reference instruments for building a coherent, secure, and sustainable national ecosystem, aligned with the orientations of the Regional E-commerce Strategy of the East African Community (EAC) and the Protocal on Digital Trade of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)."

Dr. Samuel Muhizi,
CEO, ARCT

"As the authority responsible for regulating the financial sector and payment systems, the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) is committed to contributing fully to the development of the national e-commerce ecosystem. Through the modernization and interoperability of payment systems, as well as the establishment of a secure and equitable regulatory framework, we aim to create the conditions necessary to build trust, promote financial inclusion, and support the sustainable development of e-commerce in Burundi."

Dr. Édouard Normand Bigendako,
Governor, BRB

"E-commerce marks a new phase in the modernization of tax administration and customs. The Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) reaffirms its commitment to adapting its procedures to the requirements of the digital economy and working closely with other institutions and ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen the transparency, traceability, and compliance of commercial transactions."

M. Jean Damascène BIZIMANA,
Director of Programs and Monitoring, Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR)

"The Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB) welcomes the maturity demonstrated by local businesses and experts, who have proven their ability to lead this process and contribute their expertise to this initiative. This collective commitment highlights the strength of public-private partnerships and the private sector’s capacity to help develop solutions tailored to national realities.

CFCIB intends to sustain this commitment, particularly through the establishment of a dedicated arbitration mechanism for e-commerce, with a view to strengthening trust and consumer protection."

Ms. Ella Queen Nayinkamiye,
Director of Marketing and Communications, CFCIB

"E-commerce is now a powerful driver of socio-economic transformation, inclusion, and competitiveness for businesses. In line with Burundi’s vision 2040-2060, the National Strategy aims to create an enabling environment for the growth of eCommerce, strengthen trust and security in digital transactions, and promote Burundi’s integration into regional and continental digital trade.

Our ambition is not to make this Strategy merely a reference document, but to turn it into a genuine instrument of economic and digital transformation that serves the people and businesses of Burundi."

Ms. Christine Niragira,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry in Charge of Trade

"The Ministry of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of e-commerce in Burundi, particularly through the implementation of necessary regulatory reforms, the strengthening of digital infrastructure and skills, and the mobilization of the resources required for the effective implementation of the National Strategy.

Through these efforts, the Ministry aims to promote digital trade as a key driver of economic growth, inclusion, and sustainable development."

Ms. Francine Inamahoro,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy

E-Commerce Use Cases

Ms. Ange Mélissa Ishemezwe, Deputy Managing Director of Lumicash, presented a practical use case demonstrating the order placement process on Haraka Marketplace and online payment through Lumicash.

The demonstration highlighted how an order placed on the platform is linked to its electronic payment, illustrating the complementarity between e-commerce solutions and digital payment services in building an integrated and secure national e-commerce ecosystem.

Mr. Brian Nkurunziza, Commercial Director of DHL Burundi, highlighted the essential role of logistics in the development of e-commerce. He emphasized the importance of reliable and efficient delivery solutions tailored to the needs of sellers and buyers.

His presentation underscored the importance of coordination among e-commerce platforms, logistics operators, payment service providers and customs authorities in facilitating customs clearance and order delivery, streamlining trade flows, and strengthening user trust.

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