BUJUMBURA, Burundi — The Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) is moving ahead with its ambitious plan to fully digitize the country’s financial system by November 2025, officials announced during a stakeholder workshop held this week in Bujumbura.
The initiative, spearheaded by BRB’s Payment Systems Management Department, aims to modernize the nation’s payment infrastructure by enhancing the national electronic payment switch. Once completed, the system will ensure full interoperability among banks, microfinance institutions, fintech companies and government services, allowing seamless transactions across platforms.
“This project will make it possible for individuals, businesses and the government to pay and receive funds via cards, mobile phones, QR codes and online channels,” said Amédée Kwizerimana, head of the department. “All transactions will be managed through an integrated system housed at the BRB.”
Despite optimism surrounding the program, participants at the workshop raised concerns about infrastructure limitations, particularly Burundi’s low internet penetration and limited smartphone usage among the population. In response, Kwizerimana emphasized that these realities were accounted for in the system’s design.
“The platform will support both online and offline transactions,” he said, noting that it will leverage USSD technology—already in use by mobile money operators—to ensure accessibility for users without internet or smartphones.
For the system to succeed, experts say Burundi will need to significantly strengthen its digital infrastructure. Key requirements include expanding nationwide mobile network coverage, improving internet reliability, increasing access to affordable smartphones and boosting digital literacy. In addition, robust cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory standards must be put in place to protect users and prevent fraud.
The central bank is calling on financial institutions, payment providers and government agencies to engage in public awareness campaigns to help consumers understand and adopt the new digital tools.
“When operational, this system will make financial services more inclusive, efficient and secure,” said the BRB in a statement. “We urge all partners to champion this shift as part of Burundi’s broader economic transformation.”
The digitization project is part of BRB’s broader financial modernization strategy aimed at fostering transparency, reducing cash dependency, and expanding access to formal financial services in the East African nation.
