Research and consulting in Burundi

Country overview:

One of the world’s poorest nations, further impoverished from a 12-year civil war, Burundi has been the focus of various research and consulting projects by IOA. Informed by such work, our analysts have determined that Burundi is unable to meet the basic needs of one of the world’s most densely populated countries. A large majority (80%) of Burundians are engaged in subsistence or low-paying agriculture. The country is the poorest in the world in terms of GDP, and high inflation has come at a time of low economic growth. However, good progress in education is resulting in a population better able to demand and achieve good governance.

The country’s exports are largely agricultural, IOA’s economic researchers have noted. Coffee, spices and tea comprise half of export revenue. The Gulf of Guinea coastline offers opportunities for commercial fishing.

Key opportunities in Burundi:

Coffee is the main export product, and production can be greatly increased
Burundi shares much of the same wildlife and cultural features as nearby Rwanda, and could take steps to develop a similarly thriving tourism industry
Burundi’s high elevation mitigates the country’s tropical location, resulting in a mild climate suitable for industrialised agriculture

Key concerns/risks in Burundi:

The political space is dominated by the ruling party, which violates the rights of its opponents
Ethnic violence in neighbouring DRC and Rwanda often spills across Burundi’s borders
Despite a population reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, malnutrition is widespread

Find out about how IOA can help you with research and consulting services in Burundi

Tips on doing business in Burundi:

Starting a business:

The country offers a streamlined bureaucratic regime which allows for the registration of a business in under one day and for a fee of under US$ 25
Similarly, there are streamlined “one stop shops” for a host of other functions, including gaining building permits, transfers of properties and connecting to utilities

Doing business:

Burundi benefits from both the AGOA agreement for trade access to the US and the Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement for trade access to the European Union
The country offers a simplified tax rate, with a 30% corporate tax rate and maximum 30% tax rate for non-residents if their income exceeds BIF 300k (US$ 104.00)
(Read more at: https://www.embassyburunditurkey.org/why-invest-in-burundi.html)

Culture and society:

English is not widely spoken, and negotiations should best be conducted with the aid of a translator fluent in both French and Kirundi
Foreign travellers should take precautions against the risk of malaria infection and keep in mind that much of the local water supply is not potable. Areas outside of the capital can be unsafe for travel, especially regions bordering the DRC