Burundi is a landlocked nation located in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, with a population distribution heavily leaning towards rural areas. Given its challenging geography, including mountainous terrain, the country has faced difficulties in deploying widely accessible telecommunications infrastructure. Despite a lack of foundational infrastructure, mobile technology has experienced rapid growth, partially due to the unavailability of landline services. This has led to a unique reliance on mobile banking and other mobile services, showcasing the adaptability of Burundi's technology sector. However, the country's energy infrastructure presents a significant challenge, with just over 10% of the population having access to electricity (2023). To combat this, the government has initiated plans to harness the country's abundant hydroelectric and solar resources. These measures are reflective of a proactive approach to addressing infrastructural challenges in a challenging geographic and socio-economic context.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 2 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Econet Wireless Burundi, formerly known as Spacetel Burundi, is a telecommunications company operating in Burundi. The firm, established in 2013, is today a subsidiary of the Econet Wireless Group after purchase from Global Telecom Holding in October 2014. Econet Wireless is a diversified telecommunications group with operations and investments in Africa, Europe, South America and the East Asia Pacific Rim. The ownership of Econet Wireless Burundi is held by the parent company, Econet Wireless Group, which is headquartered in South Africa.
Lumitel is a prominent telecommunications company that operates within the boundaries of Burundi. The company is a subsidiary of Viettel Group, incorporated on 1st June 1989, it is one of the world’s fastest growing telecom operators, and also listed among the world’s fastest growing telecom operators and is placed among the top 15 telecom companies in terms of cellular connections.
Lumitel Burundi owns the largest network infrastructure in Burundi, despite being the newest mobile carrier in the country founded in December 2013.