Burundi signs USD 5.9 million contract for rural connectivity

BUJUMBURA – A contract of USD 5,907,000 for the improvement of network coverage and connectivity in rural areas was signed between the Executive Secretary of SETIC and Coordinator of the PAFEN project, Mr. Bienvenu IRAKOZE, and the Director General of the National Telecommunications Office (ONATEL Burundi), Mr. Sixte NIYUHIRE, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, of the Budget and Digital Economy, Dr. Alain NDIKUMANA, on 29/04/2026. Minister NDIKUMANA insisted on the need for strong partnerships to accelerate the coverage of rural areas that are still underserved.

Through this contract, 92 hills without 2G or 3G networks will now be served in order to contribute to digital inclusion in rural areas. As part of the strengthening of digital sovereignty and territorial equity, 372,035 people living in rural areas will benefit from this project, including schools and health facilities.

This contract marks an important step towards more inclusive connectivity and illustrates the collective desire to build a digital ecosystem accessible to all regardless of geography.