Burundi Grapples with Widespread Internet Connectivity Crisis, Impacting Productivity and Economy

Persistent Connectivity Issues Hamper Burundian Productivity

Burundian workers and businesses are experiencing significant frustration due to persistent poor internet connectivity, which is severely impacting productivity and jeopardizing deadlines across the country. Reports indicate widespread disruptions, with both public and private sector employees struggling to fulfill their duties. One business operator in Bujumbura noted that 'Daily output is falling day by day, across all sectors. Businesses can no longer operate at their usual pace.'

The unreliable internet services are affecting various sectors, including education, media, research, and general business operations. Researchers, for instance, face difficulties downloading essential satellite images and utilizing academic software, while IT professionals sometimes resort to working at night to find more stable connections. Journalists also report that poor connectivity has crippled their newsrooms.

Root Causes and Stakeholder Frustration

Several factors contribute to Burundi's ongoing internet crisis. These include fuel shortages, irregular electricity supply, outdated telecommunications infrastructure, and limited bandwidth capacity. Telecommunication companies, such as Lumitel, Econet, and ONAMOB, have cited a worsening shortage of foreign currency, which prevents them from importing necessary equipment for maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, high taxes and alleged bribery demands imposed on internet providers have been identified as obstacles to consistent service delivery.

Public dissatisfaction is high, with consumer associations like the Burundian Consumers Association (ABUCO) criticizing providers for failing to deliver reliable services despite continued payments. Noël Nkurunziza, Secretary-General of ABUCO, emphasized that poor connectivity 'hinders both individual economic activities and the country's broader development.'

Government and Regulatory Responses

In response to the growing public outcry, the Burundian government has pledged to take concrete steps to resolve the issues. The Agency for Telecommunications Regulation and Control (ARCT), led by Director Samuel Muhizi, has acknowledged the challenges and outlined initiatives aimed at improving network reliability.

Minister of Telecommunications, Léocadie Ndacayisaba, has identified the key factors contributing to the problem and promised urgent measures. ARCT's plans include:

• Implementing solar-powered solutions to reduce reliance on fuel for power supply.
• Constructing new telecommunications towers in underserved areas to enhance network coverage and prevent service saturation.
• Expanding network efforts, including improving 2G services for voice calls and enhancing 4G infrastructure for internet access.
• Establishing monitoring systems to track project progress.

Furthermore, the government, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), has launched a plan to expand 4G coverage to 178 rural administrative divisions, aiming to reach approximately 786,000 residents. A public tender for this project was issued, open until June 26, 2025, with support from development partners like the World Bank.

Low Internet Penetration and Economic Impact

Burundi's internet penetration remains one of the lowest globally. As of January 2024, only about 1.51 million Burundians, roughly 11.3% of the population, were internet users. Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2023 indicated that almost 90% of the population lacked internet access. This digital divide, coupled with the current connectivity issues, poses a significant challenge to the country's economic development and its integration into the global digital economy.