Investing in Burundi in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
10
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Burundi earns an investment score of 10/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (15/100) and economic health (10/100), with overall GDP of $3.5B and per-capita output of $240. Growth is running at 3.0% with 0.3% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 15.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Agriculture (Coffee, Tea) (sector score 22/100, currently stable), which represents 35% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 35% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Burundi is with the global economy.
How Burundi's investment score has evolved over time
Agriculture (Coffee, Tea)
35% of GDP, stable
Mining
2% of GDP, growing
Services
5% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Burundi a safe country to invest in?
Burundi carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 10/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 10/100, political stability 8/100, business climate 10/100, financial strength 8/100, growth potential 15/100.
What is Burundi's sovereign credit rating?
Burundi holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Burundi?
The top investment sectors in Burundi are Agriculture (Coffee, Tea), Mining, Services. Agriculture (Coffee, Tea) leads with a sector score of 22/100 and represents 35% of GDP. Its current trend is stable.
What is Burundi's GDP growth rate?
Burundi's most recent GDP growth was 3.0%, with total GDP of $3.5B and GDP per capita of $240. Inflation is running at 15.0% and the current account balance is -12.0% of GDP.
How does Burundi score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Burundi scores: political stability -1.2, rule of law -1.2, corruption control -1.2, and regulatory quality -1.3.
Can foreigners invest in Burundi?
Most industries in Burundi are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Burundi?
Foreign Direct Investment in Burundi runs at 0.3% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 35%. These figures show how integrated Burundi is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Burundi?
Burundi's government debt stands at 62% of GDP. This is within range for advanced economies but worth monitoring.