• Burundi adopted a national e-commerce regulatory guide and a national e-commerce development strategy on 28 November.
• Statista projects the country’s e-commerce revenue to reach $78.38 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 14.5% to 2030.
• The African e-commerce market is expected to hit $112.73 billion by 2029, highlighting regional opportunities for Burundian businesses.

Burundi aims to leverage e-commerce to energise economic growth and support entrepreneurship. The country observes rising online activity and seeks to turn this digital momentum into a driver of sustainable development.

Authorities adopted a practical regulatory guide for e-commerce and a National E-Commerce Development Strategy on 28 November. Officials say these documents mark a major step toward structuring, securing and expanding the country’s digital marketplace. They intend to create a clear framework for online transactions and support the growth of SMEs and digital entrepreneurs.

Le #Burundi vient d’adopter le Guide Pratique pour réguler le #Ecommerce. Une première en Afrique!
Validé ce 28/11/2025 au côté de la Stratégie Nationale de Développement e-Commerce, le Guide constitue une avancée majeure pour le développement de l’économie numérique au Burundi. pic.twitter.com/E9pDaphwwb

— ARCT BURUNDI (@ARCTBDI) November 28, 2025

The Agency for the Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (ARCT) coordinated the regulatory guide with several partners, including the ICT Sector Chamber. The guide defines standards, processes and rules for online commerce. It covers consumer protection, payment security, logistics, seller and platform obligations and the legal oversight of digital transactions.

The National E-Commerce Development Strategy seeks to organise the country’s digital ecosystem and stimulate innovation. It includes measures to encourage corporate adoption of digital technologies, improve access to finance and markets, and promote training and digital-skills development. It also aims to bolster digital entrepreneurship and expand participation in the online economy.

The government designed both initiatives to support Burundi’s ongoing digital transformation. The authorities want to build a formal digital market, strengthen transaction security and scale digital entrepreneurship. Statista estimates that Burundi’s e-commerce revenue will reach $78.38 million in 2025 and could grow at an average annual rate of 14.5% to $154.25 million by 2030. TechCabal values the African e-commerce market at $112.73 billion for 2029, underscoring significant growth potential for local businesses.

By creating a clear regulatory framework and an ambitious development strategy, Burundi aims to increase transparency and credibility in online commerce. If implementation remains rigorous, the measures should build consumer trust and encourage businesses to formalise their digital activities. They should also open new opportunities for SMEs, artisans and digital entrepreneurs, supporting the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum