Data Centers in Burundi
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Burundi – Developing Core Digital Infrastructure
Executive Summary
Burundi is a frontier market for digital infrastructure, best suited for organizations requiring a direct in-country presence to serve the local population. Establishing a foothold here is less about global performance and more about foundational service delivery and ensuring data residency for government and non-governmental operations.
Burundi: At A Glance
| Factor | Rating / Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Connectivity Grade | B | Reflects developing terrestrial and subsea cable access. |
| Direct Cloud On-Ramps | 0 — as of September 2025 | Access via private extension to hubs like Nairobi or Mombasa. |
| Power Cost | FBu 325.00 – 450.00/kWh (est.) | Represents an estimate; pricing is subject to negotiation. |
| Disaster Risk | High (5.9/10) — as of September 2025 | Dominated by epidemic, drought, and earthquake risks. |
| Tax Incentives | No | No specific data center incentives are currently promoted. |
| Sales Tax | 18% VAT (est.) — as of September 2025 | Standard Value Added Tax likely applies; consult local authorities. |
Network & Connectivity Ecosystem
Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Carrier diversity is limited, with fewer than 10 national and regional providers active, as of September 2025. The two facilities in the country provide foundational interconnection.
Direct Cloud On-Ramps: There are no direct cloud on-ramps within Burundi, as of September 2025. Access to hyperscale clouds requires private network extensions or IP transit to major hubs such as Nairobi, Kenya.
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): The Burundi Internet Exchange Point (BXIX) is central to localizing traffic, which helps reduce latency and transit costs for domestic users.
Bare Metal: Bare metal services are not widely available from global providers. Solutions typically require working directly with local colocation providers for dedicated server hosting.
Power Analysis
Average Cost Of Power: Power costs are estimated between FBu 325.00 – FBu 450.00/kWh for industrial use, as of September 2025. This variability can significantly impact the total cost of ownership for colocation.
Power Grid Reliability: The national power grid faces significant reliability challenges. Data center operations depend entirely on on-site power generation, typically diesel, with extensive fuel storage and redundant UPS systems to ensure uptime. The country's grid is powered almost entirely by renewables (~99%), primarily hydroelectric, but generation capacity and distribution remain limited.
Market Access, Business & Tax Climate
Proximity To Key Business Districts: Data centers are located in or near Bujumbura, the economic capital, providing connectivity for government ministries, financial institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Regional Market Reach: Burundi serves as a basic connectivity point for the immediate domestic market of over 13 million people. It is not positioned as a hub for broader regional service delivery.
Tax Advantage For Data Centers: Burundi does not currently offer specific tax incentives for data center development or operation. Standard corporate taxes and import duties on equipment apply, which should be factored into any investment plan.
Natural Disaster Risk
Burundi has a High overall risk profile (5.9/10), as of September 2025. While human and institutional factors are significant contributors, key natural disaster and operational risks include:
- Epidemic (6.7)
- Earthquake (4.5)
- Drought (3.9)
- River Flood (2.6)
Institutional coping capacity for these events is limited, placing a high burden on facility design, operational planning, and business continuity strategies.
