NTAHANGWA, April 16 (ABP) — The minister of finance, budget and digital economy, Alain Ndikumana, prese nted on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Kigobe hemicycle, before members of parliament meeting in plenary session, the multi-year budgetary and economic programming document (DPBEP), outlining the evolution of Burundi’s public finances as well as budgetary prospects.
In his explanatory statement, Minister Ndikumana provided an overview of public finances, marked by an increase in revenue, expenditure, deficit, and public debt, while highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen resource mobilization and improve budget management.
According to the minister in charge of finance, public revenue recorded significant growth, rising from 2,022.5 billion BIF in 2022/2023 to 2,916.1 billion BIF in 2024/2025. This development is mainly attributed to fiscal and administrative reforms implemented, notably the digitalization of tax and customs procedures, as well as the introduction of new taxes and levies, he explained.
He nevertheless acknowledged that the tax burden slightly declined over the period, dropping from 18.4% to 16.8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), due to economic constraints such as disruptions in the foreign exchange market and certain supply difficulties.
Presenting the evolution of public expenditure, Mr. Ndikumana indicated that it increased significantly, particularly current expenditure, which rose from 1,444.2 billion BIF to 2,202.3 billion BIF over the period analyzed.
According to him, this increase is explained by the implementation of the salary harmonization policy, the regularization of employees improperly positioned relative to their job classifications and positions held, the depreciation of the Burundian franc, as well as the settlement of payment arrears accumulated during previous budget cycles.
Capital expenditure also rose sharply, reaching 1,499.6 billion BIF in 2024/2025, in connection with major structuring projects such as the Jiji-Mulembwe hydroelectric power plant and the Uvinza–Musongati railway project.
The minister in charge of finance indicated that the budget balance remains in deficit, standing at 7.6% of GDP in 2024/2025. He specified that this deficit is mainly financed by internal resources, notably government securities and loans contracted from local banking institutions.
Regarding public debt, Mr. Ndikumana indicated that it stood at 8,101.2 billion BIF in 2024/2025, compared to 5,540.4 billion BIF in 2022/2023. He specified that domestic debt represents the largest share of the portfolio, about 74%, notably due to increased reliance on government securities.
Presenting the outlook for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, Minister Ndikumana indicated that revenues are projected at 3,688.9 billion BIF, compared to estimated expenditures of 5,351.4 billion BIF, confirming the persistence of a budget deficit.
He nevertheless reassured members of parliament about the continuation of reforms, notably the digitalization of the tax and customs system, strengthening of controls, broadening of the tax base, and promotion of the mining sector, which should gradually help improve the performance of public finances.