Burundi is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the development of ICT and telecommunications. A memorandum of understanding was signed to this effect on Tuesday, November 19, between Léocadie Ndacayisaba, Burundian Minister of Communication, ICT and Media, and Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications. This was on the sidelines of the 2024 edition of the Vietnam International Digital Week, which continues until November 22.

The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as digital transformation, digital economy and skills training, to accelerate the digital transition in Burundi. Vietnam offered to share its expertise in telecom infrastructure deployment, while Burundi expressed interest in its knowledge in telecommunications regulation and management. Nguyen Manh Hung also promised to support telecom operator Lumitel, a Burundian subsidiary of Vietnam’s Viettel, in expanding its coverage and services.

It should be recalled that Burundi is ranked 46th out of 47 African countries according to the ICT development index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with a score of 24.4 out of 100. The institution estimates the Internet penetration rate in the country at 19%, compared to 8.3% for mobile broadband and 25.6% for mobile telephony. In addition, only 50.6% of the population is at least covered by 3G, compared to 32.2% for 4G.

Regarding digital transformation, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) ranks Burundi among the countries with a low EGDI development index with a score of 0.2480 out of 1, while the world average is 0.6382. According to the structure, this score “ reflects significant gaps in digital infrastructure, online services and human capital development, which require urgent attention .” It adds that this lack of digital progress “ can be mainly attributed to the effects of ongoing conflicts and post-conflict situations .”

For its part, Vietnam has an ICT development index of 85 out of 100 with an Internet penetration rate of 78.6%, compared to 96.9% for mobile broadband and 79.3% for mobile telephony. 3G and 4G cover 99.9% of the population. In terms of digital transformation, the country has a very high EGDI level with a score of 0.7709 out of 1.

The cooperation agreement with Vietnam comes in a context where the Burundian government wants to provide the country with ” a real technological leap likely to improve its economic growth by allowing the development of activities in a secure legal framework, using ICT “. For the time being, the potential collaboration is only at the stage of exchanges and exploratory discussions, aimed at establishing the solid foundations necessary for its realization.

Source: Agency EcoFin