Burundi transforms industry by launching instant payment system
Burundi has launched BurundiPay, a national instant payment system designed to modernise digital financial transactions nationwide. The platform was launched on 23 April by the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB).
According to the BRB, BurundiPay enables real-time payments and transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The central bank described the platform as “a decisive step” in Burundi’s financial sector digitisation.
BurundiPay was launched by BRB (locally known as Banki Nkuru) in partnership with Projet d’Appui aux Fondations de l’Économie Numérique (PAFEN), which provided financial support for the project. The system connects commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintech companies and payment providers via a single interoperable network. Officials hope the rollout will boost financial inclusion and reduce Burundi’s dependence on cash transactions.
Gambling transactions expected to accelerate
The launch may also strengthen Burundi’s regulated lottery and betting sectors as digital transactions increase across the country. Instant deposits and withdrawals could improve payment efficiency for licensed operators and customers using mobile money services.
The system may also enhance the traceability of transactions across gambling platforms, helping to improve anti-money laundering monitoring. In African gambling markets, where mobile payments are most often used to carry out transactions, the importance of digital payment infrastructure has increased. Industry conversations surrounding gambling payments remain focused on speed, security, and interoperability with local payment methods.
Regulatory reforms continue across Burundi’s gaming market
Burundi’s Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA) is currently in the process of transitioning into the country’s primary gambling regulator. The transition is expected to conclude by mid-2026, according to reports surrounding the reform process.
The regulatory overhaul is a part of Burundi’s National Strategy for the Control and Regulation of Gambling 2023–2035. The framework seeks to formalise licensing, beef up enforcement and stamp out illegal gambling activity across the country.
The transition plan calls for LONA to gradually wind down its commercial gambling operations and concentrate solely on regulatory oversight. With digital betting activity on the rise, authorities say the restructuring could lead to more structured investment in Burundi’s gambling market.
LONA previously stated that the digital supervision framework forms part of Burundi’s broader “revenue mobilisation strategy” and supports efforts to restore the country’s “digital sovereignty”.
Burundi joins Africa’s growing instant payment network
With BurundiPay, Burundi becomes the 22nd African country to implement an instant payment system. The country is also pursuing wider financial integration across Africa through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
BRB completed the migration of its Automated Transfer System to the ISO 20022 financial messaging standard earlier this year. Officials expect upgrades to improve interoperability, transaction quality, and the region’s connectivity. The use of regulated digital transactions continues to grow across the country. BurundiPay is now a major milestone in the country’s wider digital transformation plan.
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