Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye met Friday with a delegation from Lyca Mobile led by founder Allirajah Subaskaran at Ntare Rushatsi Palace to discuss a strategic partnership aimed at expanding telecommunications access and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.
The delegation thanked the president for promulgating a decree authorizing the company to establish operations in Burundi and congratulated him on his new responsibilities at the helm of the African Union, presidential spokesperson Gatoni Rosine Guilène said.
“The discussions focused on the framework for cooperation between Lyca Mobile and the Burundian government, with a view to contributing to the implementation of Burundi’s Vision 2040-2060,” Gatoni told reporters, adding that the national plan “places significant emphasis on the information and communication technologies sector, training, and the digitalization of public services.”
She said the company pledged to support universal connectivity. “Lyca Mobile expressed its interest and commitment to contributing to universal coverage across the entire national territory, so that every Burundian can have access to the Internet and communicate easily,” she said.
According to Gatoni, Ndayishimiye welcomed the initiative, calling it timely for the launch of the country’s development blueprint. “The Head of State expressed his satisfaction with this opportunity, considering that it comes at an opportune moment for the effective launch of Vision 2040-2060 and that Lyca Mobile’s ambitions align with the government’s priorities,” she said.
The spokesperson added that the company highlighted its health-sector arm, LycaHealth, and its willingness to support Burundi’s medical system in collaboration with the Bonne Action B.A Umugiraneza Foundation. She said technical teams from both sides had already begun consultations. “Experts have immediately gotten to work to discuss the modalities for implementing the agreements between Lyca Mobile and Burundi,” she said, noting the goal is to ensure citizens can “benefit from sufficient Internet bandwidth” and access services at affordable prices.
Founded in 2006, Lyca Mobile is an international mobile virtual network operator offering low-cost voice and data services in multiple countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, primarily targeting international callers and underserved markets. The company has expanded rapidly in emerging economies, often positioning itself as a provider focused on affordability and cross-border communication.
Burundi’s telecommunications sector remains one of the least developed in the region, with internet access rates below continental averages and infrastructure concentrated mainly in urban areas. Authorities have identified digital connectivity as a priority for economic growth, financial inclusion and public-service delivery, making foreign investment in broadband and mobile networks a central component of the government’s long-term strategy.
Officials did not disclose financial details of the partnership or a timeline for the company’s rollout in the country.
