Burundi’s national telecommunications company, Onatel, has secured US$5.9 million to expand network coverage and 4G mobile internet access in the country’s rural regions. This funding agreement is part of the Projet d’Appui aux Fondations de l’Economie Numérique (PAFEN), a broader initiative financed by the World Bank with a total budget of US$92 million aimed at modernising public services and improving high-speed internet access.
The 18-month project represents a significant advancement toward inclusive connectivity and reflects a shared commitment to developing a more accessible digital ecosystem, according to PAFEN.
Recent analyses indicate that, as of early 2025, Burundi had approximately 8.04 million active cellular connections, which accounted for about 56.6% of its population. By October 2025, this figure had risen to 60.7% of the overall population with mobile connections.
The initiative will focus on 92 communities currently lacking 2G or 3G network coverage, aiming to promote digital inclusion and provide services to around 372,035 residents in rural areas, including schools and healthcare facilities.
“Connecting these 92 rural communities, which have been largely excluded from network access, transcends merely deploying 4G technology. It opens doors to information, public services, and economic opportunities, ensuring that digital transformation becomes a tangible reality throughout the country,” noted Dr Alain Ndikumana, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Digital Economy.
This project seeks to extend digital infrastructure beyond urban areas, enabling greater access to services, supporting economic activities, and addressing territorial disparities, as highlighted by the finance ministry. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with Vision 2040-2060, especially under its second pillar, which focuses on enhancing economic efficiency and advancing information and communication technologies.
