MUKAZA, April 7 (ABP) – The ministry of foreign affairs, regional integration and development cooperation held, on April 3, 2026 in Bujumbura, an information meeting on the continental e-commerce system, within the framework of Burundi’s presidency of the African Union. This meeting brought together officials from both the publ ic and private sectors.
In his address, Minister Edouard Bizimana stated that the continental e-commerce ecosystem is an ambitious project, essential for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area as well as for the emergence of dynamic digital trade. He specified that this initiative, launched under Burundi’s presidency of the AU, is intended to be deployed across the entire continent.
Mr. Bizimana urged all concerned companies to contribute to efforts aimed at finalizing the national ecosystem, an essential foundation for the launch of this large-scale economic project. He took this opportunity to call on government partners to support this continental initiative, as well as other programs addressed in the scope of the AU presidency.
According to Fernand Matendo, an e-commerce expert and president of the ICT sectoral chamber at the chamber of commerce and industry of Burundi, this project aims to establish a single African market by facilitating direct exchanges between producers, traders, and consumers.
However, he pointed out major challenges, including limited access of small traders to markets, insufficient internet connectivity, lack of digital skills, and the low level of sector formalization, estimated at 7%. Despite these obstacles, Mr. Matendo invited stakeholders to propose concrete improvement measures.
Samuel Muhizi, Director General of the agency for regulation and control of telecommunications (ARCT) and speaker at the meeting, recalled that the internet is now a major driver of development. He also assured that digital transactions are technically viable in Burundi.
Note that at the end of the meeting, it was recommended to harmonize legal frameworks between countries, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen the security of financial and commercial transactions.