Burundi takes its name from the Kingdom of Burundi, one of the oldest kingdoms in the African Great Lakes region.
The Republic of Burundi
BurundiEastern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Kirundi, French, English
National CurrencyBurundian Franc (BIF)
National Day(s)1 July (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalGitega
Economic CapitalBujumbura
Cultural CapitalGitega
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 6.5 – 9 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportMelchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM)
Primary PortPort of Bujumbura (on Lake Tanganyika)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointMount Heha (2,684 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLake Tanganyika (shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Zambia), Ruvubu River
ClimateTropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, moderated by altitude
Border Countries
Democratic Republic of the CongoRwandaTanzania
3Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Burundi has two capitals: Gitega is the political capital, while Bujumbura remains the country’s economic capital.
Burundi’s flag features three stars representing the national motto: Unity, Work and Progress.
Kirundi, French and English are Burundi’s official languages, while Kiswahili is also widely used.
Burundi’s ritual dance of the royal drum, a tradition associated with authority and national identity, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014.
Burundi borders Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake and one of its longest.
Coffee is one of Burundi’s principal export crops and an important source of income for many rural communities.
Mukeke, a fish found in Lake Tanganyika, is a prized Burundian delicacy often pan-fried and seasoned with garlic.
Urwarwa is a traditional Burundian banana beer that has long played a social role in community gatherings and celebrations.
Venuste Niyongabo won the men’s 5,000-meter race at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, earning Burundi its first Olympic medal and its first gold.
Burundi’s electoral law guarantees that women hold at least 30% of the seats in the Senate.
Kibira National Park forms a continuous mountain-forest ecosystem with Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and provides habitat for chimpanzees and several monkey species.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | BurundiUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye
Since June 2020
H.E. Prosper Bazombanza
Since June 2020
H.E. Nestor Ntahontuye
Since August 2025
H.E. Amb. Dr. Edouard Bizimana
Since August 2025
H.E. Dr. Alain Ndikumana
Since August 2025
H.E. Dr. Hassan Kibeya
Since August 2025
H.E. Marie Chantal Nijimbere
Since August 2025
Political Summary
Political System
Unitary Presidential Republic
Burundi has a strongly presidential system, reinforced by the 2018 constitution. The Prime Minister is officially the Head of Government, but in practice the position is subordinate to the President. Real power rests with the President and his close circle, which often includes military figures, while the Prime Minister’s role is more administrative and operational than political.
Ruling Party
National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD): Far-right (since August 2005)
Main Opposition Force(s)
National Congress for Liberty (CNL): CentreUnion for National Progress (UPRONA): Centre-left
Next Presidential Election
Expected in May 2027
Next Legislative Election
June 2030
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
49Organizations
27Member
4Founding Member
4Partner, Observer or Participant
14Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Burundi | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic RelationsMay 197452 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Abdalla Hassan Obaid Hassan Al ShamsiUAE Ambassador to Burundi · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
Abbas NiyongaboCharge d’Affaires a.i., Consulate General of Burundi in Dubai · ResidentLast Updated: September 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Burundi Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Burundi | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 6 Feb 2017. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 6 Feb 2017.Entered into force on 14 Mar 2018. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 27 Sep 2012. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Burundi | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateAug2022
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Evariste NdayishimiyePresident of BurundiFeb2026
- H.E. Amb. Dr. Edouard BizimanaMinister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation of BurundiFeb2026
- H.E. Evariste NdayishimiyePresident of BurundiDec2023
- H.E. Sanctus NiragiraMinister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock of BurundiNov2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)1.3USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Burundian Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Burundi
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: August 2026Source: Internal Research