As of 2025, Burundi’s economy was valued at approximately $6.75 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), reflecting the overall size and scale of economic activity within the country. This valuation provides a snapshot of the economic output generated by all sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services, within Burundi’s borders during that year. Despite this total GDP figure, the structure of the economy remains heavily skewed towards agriculture, which historically has been the backbone of Burundi’s economic life. In 2008, agriculture accounted for 32.9% of the country’s GDP, underscoring its dominant role in contributing to national income and employment. This agricultural sector includes the cultivation of crops such as coffee, tea, maize, beans, and bananas, which are central to both domestic consumption and export earnings. Burundi’s economic landscape is significantly shaped by its geographical and natural resource constraints. Being a landlocked country, Burundi lacks direct access to seaports, which poses logistical challenges for trade and increases transportation costs. Moreover, the country is characterized by a scarcity of exploitable natural resources, limiting opportunities for resource-based industrial development. This lack of natural endowments has contributed to the minimal level of industrialization observed in Burundi, with the manufacturing sector remaining underdeveloped and largely confined to small-scale processing activities. Consequently, the economy remains predominantly agrarian, with limited diversification into other sectors such as mining, manufacturing, or services. The labor force distribution further highlights the centrality of agriculture in Burundi’s economy. More than 70% of the country’s labor force is employed in agricultural activities, with the vast majority engaged in subsistence farming. These smallholder farmers cultivate plots primarily for their own consumption rather than for commercial sale, often relying on traditional farming techniques and limited access to modern inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds. This reliance on subsistence agriculture makes the population particularly vulnerable to environmental shocks and economic fluctuations, as their livelihoods depend heavily on crop yields and climatic conditions. Despite possessing the potential to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, Burundi faces several persistent challenges that undermine its agricultural productivity and food security. Prolonged periods of civil unrest have disrupted farming activities, displaced rural populations, and damaged infrastructure, thereby reducing agricultural output. Additionally, the country’s high population density has exerted pressure on arable land, leading to overcultivation and subsequent soil degradation. Soil erosion, exacerbated by steep terrain and deforestation, has further diminished the fertility of agricultural lands, making it increasingly difficult to sustain crop yields. These interrelated factors have collectively constrained the capacity of Burundi’s subsistence economy. The cumulative effect of civil conflict, demographic pressures, and environmental degradation has resulted in a significant contraction of the subsistence economy in recent years. Estimates indicate that this sector has shrunk by approximately 25%, reflecting a substantial decline in the production of food and other agricultural goods for household consumption. This contraction has had profound implications for rural livelihoods, increasing food insecurity and poverty levels across the country. It has also heightened the vulnerability of many communities, particularly those displaced by violence or natural disasters, who have lost access to their traditional farming lands. A considerable number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burundi are unable to engage in agricultural production due to their displacement and lack of land tenure. These populations depend heavily on international humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs, as their displacement often results in the loss of productive assets and limited access to employment opportunities. Humanitarian organizations have played a critical role in providing food assistance, nutritional support, and other forms of relief to these vulnerable groups. However, reliance on external aid underscores the fragility of Burundi’s food systems and the challenges faced in achieving sustainable food security. Burundi’s status as a net food importer further illustrates the country’s ongoing challenges in meeting domestic food demand through local production. In 1997, food imports accounted for approximately 17% of the country’s total imports, highlighting the reliance on external sources to supplement domestic food supplies. This dependence on imported food exposes Burundi to international market fluctuations and trade disruptions, which can exacerbate food insecurity and increase the cost of living for the population. Efforts to reduce this dependency have been complicated by the structural constraints affecting agricultural productivity and the broader economy. The United Nations classifies Burundi as a least developed country (LDC), a designation that reflects its low income, limited human capital, and economic vulnerability. This classification recognizes the significant developmental challenges faced by Burundi, including widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. Being an LDC also qualifies Burundi for various forms of international support, including preferential trade agreements, development assistance, and technical cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Despite these challenges, Burundi continues to pursue strategies to diversify its economy and improve the welfare of its population within the constraints imposed by its geographic and socio-political context.
In 2022, Burundi’s agricultural sector demonstrated significant productivity across a range of staple and cash crops, reflecting the country’s reliance on agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy and food security. Cassava emerged as the most extensively produced crop, with an output of approximately 2.6 million tons. This substantial production underscored cassava’s role as a critical staple food, providing a reliable source of carbohydrates for much of the population. The crop’s adaptability to varying climatic conditions and poor soils made it particularly valuable in sustaining rural communities and mitigating food shortages during periods of drought or poor harvests. Bananas also constituted a major component of Burundi’s agricultural landscape, with production reaching around 1.3 million tons in 2022. Bananas served not only as a vital food source but also as an important commodity for local markets and export. The cultivation of bananas, including both dessert and cooking varieties, contributed to dietary diversity and nutrition, while also generating income for smallholder farmers. The prominence of bananas in the country’s agricultural output highlighted their cultural and economic significance, particularly in regions where banana plantations formed integral parts of farming systems. Sweet potatoes, another essential root crop, accounted for approximately 808 thousand tons in production during 2022. This crop contributed significantly to local diets, offering a nutritious source of vitamins and energy. Sweet potatoes’ relatively short growing cycle and resistance to pests and diseases made them a practical choice for farmers seeking to ensure food availability throughout the year. Their role in food security was particularly important in rural areas, where they supplemented other staple foods and provided a buffer against seasonal food shortages. Vegetable production in Burundi reached about 507 thousand tons in 2022, supporting both domestic consumption and local markets. The diversity of vegetables grown included leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, and other commonly consumed varieties, which enhanced nutritional intake and food variety among the population. The cultivation of vegetables also played a role in income generation for small-scale farmers and vendors, often involving women who dominated this segment of agricultural production. The availability of fresh vegetables contributed to improved public health outcomes by increasing access to essential micronutrients. Beans, a critical source of protein for many Burundians, were produced at a level of approximately 499 thousand tons in 2022. As a leguminous crop, beans also contributed to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Their importance in the diet was underscored by their role as one of the primary plant-based protein sources, especially in rural areas where meat consumption was limited by economic constraints. The widespread cultivation of beans across various agro-ecological zones demonstrated their adaptability and significance in the country’s food system. Potatoes, produced at roughly 355 thousand tons in 2022, represented a vital root crop that complemented other staples such as cassava and sweet potatoes. The cultivation of potatoes was concentrated in higher altitude regions where cooler temperatures favored their growth. Potatoes provided an important source of calories and nutrients, contributing to food security and dietary diversity. Their relatively high yield per hectare made them an attractive crop for farmers seeking to maximize production on limited land. Maize production, totaling about 280 thousand tons in 2022, remained essential for food security and rural livelihoods. Maize served as a staple food for many Burundians, often consumed in the form of porridge or flour. Despite its importance, maize production faced challenges such as vulnerability to pests and erratic rainfall patterns, which occasionally led to fluctuations in yields. Efforts to improve maize productivity through the introduction of improved seed varieties and better agronomic practices were ongoing to enhance food availability and reduce dependence on imports. Sugar cane output reached approximately 188 thousand tons in 2022, underpinning local sugar industries and contributing to the agro-industrial sector. The cultivation of sugar cane was concentrated in regions with favorable climatic conditions and access to processing facilities. Sugar production not only supplied domestic markets but also supported employment and income generation in rural areas. The development of sugar cane farming was linked to broader efforts to diversify the agricultural economy and reduce reliance on subsistence crops. Fruit production in Burundi amounted to around 130 thousand tons in 2022, encompassing a variety of local fruit types such as mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and avocados. These fruits played a significant role in nutrition and dietary diversification, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Fruit cultivation also offered opportunities for income generation through local sales and small-scale processing activities. The expansion of fruit production was seen as a means to improve rural livelihoods and promote agricultural diversification. Rice production, at approximately 127 thousand tons in 2022, contributed to staple food supplies, particularly in lowland and irrigated areas suitable for paddy cultivation. Rice consumption had been increasing in Burundi, driven by urbanization and changing dietary preferences. The government and development partners had supported initiatives to improve rice yields through irrigation infrastructure and improved seed varieties, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and enhance food security. Taro production reached about 94 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting its role in traditional diets and local markets. As a root crop, taro was valued for its nutritional content and cultural significance in various communities. Its cultivation was often integrated into mixed cropping systems, providing both food and income for smallholder farmers. Taro’s resilience to certain climatic stresses made it an important crop for maintaining food availability in diverse agro-ecological zones. Burundi produced roughly 89 thousand tons of palm oil in 2022, which served as an important source of edible oil for cooking and food preparation. Palm oil production contributed to the country’s efforts to meet domestic demand for vegetable oils and reduce reliance on imports. The crop also supported rural economies through the creation of employment opportunities in cultivation, processing, and marketing. Sustainable development of the palm oil sector was a focus to balance economic benefits with environmental considerations. Tea production in Burundi, amounting to around 50 thousand tons in 2022, represented a significant export crop that contributed to foreign exchange earnings. The tea industry was concentrated in highland areas with suitable climatic conditions, where tea plantations and processing factories formed an important part of the agricultural export sector. Tea cultivation provided employment for thousands of workers and generated income for smallholder farmers participating in outgrower schemes. The sector’s performance was influenced by global market prices, quality standards, and efforts to improve productivity. Smaller quantities of other agricultural products were also produced, contributing to the country’s agricultural diversity and export potential. Sorghum production reached approximately 25 thousand tons in 2022, serving as a drought-resistant cereal crop important in semi-arid regions. Coffee, another key export commodity, was produced at about 17 thousand tons, underpinning Burundi’s reputation for high-quality Arabica coffee. Coffee cultivation involved numerous smallholder farmers and played a crucial role in rural livelihoods and foreign exchange generation. Both sorghum and coffee highlighted the diverse nature of Burundi’s agricultural sector and its potential for growth and development through targeted support and market access improvements.
The industrial sector in Burundi has historically been minimal and underdeveloped, with activities primarily concentrated on the processing of agricultural exports. This limited industrial base reflects the country’s economic reliance on agriculture, where raw materials such as coffee, tea, and sugarcane are processed domestically to add value before export. Despite the presence of some agro-processing facilities, the overall industrial infrastructure remains rudimentary and insufficiently diversified. The lack of substantial industrial development has constrained economic growth and employment opportunities beyond the agricultural sector. Burundi possesses potential natural resources including petroleum, nickel, copper, and other minerals, which have attracted exploratory interest over the years. However, the uncertain security situation in the country has significantly deterred substantial investor engagement in the development of these resources. Political instability, recurrent ethnic violence, and weak institutional frameworks have contributed to a risk environment that many foreign and domestic investors find prohibitive. Consequently, resource exploitation remains largely at the exploratory or conceptual stage, with limited extraction or industrial activity realized to date. The country’s geographic disadvantage as a landlocked nation further compounds the challenges faced by its industrial development. Without direct access to seaports, Burundi depends heavily on neighboring countries’ infrastructure for the import and export of goods, resulting in high transportation costs. These elevated logistics expenses increase the price of imported inputs and reduce the competitiveness of Burundian products on international markets. The reliance on overland routes through Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo adds complexity and vulnerability to supply chains, further hindering industrial expansion and integration into global value chains. Lake Tanganyika serves as a vital trading hub for Burundi, providing an important point for regional commerce and transportation. The lake facilitates the movement of goods and people between Burundi and neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its strategic location enables Burundi to engage in cross-border trade despite its landlocked status, offering a relatively efficient route for exports and imports. The lake’s ports and associated infrastructure play a critical role in sustaining economic activity, particularly for the movement of agricultural products and other commodities. The trade embargo imposed on Burundi was lifted in 1999, marking a significant turning point for the country’s trade and industrial sectors. Prior to the lifting of the embargo, which had been in place since 1996, Burundi’s economy suffered from restricted access to regional markets and diminished foreign investment. The embargo was a response by neighboring countries to political developments within Burundi, including a coup d’état, and it severely constrained the country’s ability to engage in international commerce. The removal of these trade restrictions helped to restore some level of economic normalcy and opened avenues for renewed trade relations and industrial activity. Since October 1993, Burundi has been plagued by extensive ethnic-based violence that has had profound social and economic consequences. The conflict resulted in approximately 250,000 deaths and displaced around 800,000 people, creating a humanitarian crisis and severely disrupting economic activities. This prolonged instability undermined investor confidence, damaged infrastructure, and diverted government resources toward security and emergency relief efforts rather than development. The widespread violence also exacerbated poverty and hindered the establishment of stable institutions necessary for industrial growth. The country has faced chronic shortages in essential supplies, including food, medicines, and electricity, which have further constrained industrial and economic development. These shortages reflect systemic issues in supply chain management, infrastructure deficits, and the impact of ongoing conflict and economic isolation. Limited access to reliable electricity, in particular, has hampered the operation and expansion of manufacturing and processing facilities, while food and medicine shortages have contributed to poor health outcomes and reduced labor productivity. Burundi remains heavily reliant on bilateral and multilateral aid to support its economy and social services. In 1997, the country’s external debt was recorded at $1.247 billion (1.247 G$), reflecting accumulated borrowing to finance development projects and budgetary support. This high debt burden, combined with limited domestic revenue generation, has constrained fiscal space and complicated efforts to invest in industrial infrastructure. The reliance on external aid underscores the fragility of Burundi’s economic foundations and the challenges in achieving sustainable industrialization. Beginning in July 1986, Burundi embarked on a series of largely unsuccessful five-year economic plans developed in partnership with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These plans aimed to reform the economy through measures such as liberalizing the foreign exchange system, reducing import restrictions, diversifying exports, and reforming the coffee industry, which is a key sector for foreign exchange earnings. Despite these ambitious objectives, implementation was hampered by political instability, inadequate institutional capacity, and external shocks, resulting in limited progress toward economic diversification and industrial development. As part of broader rural development strategies, the promotion of goat rearing has been undertaken to generate income for rural populations. Goat husbandry offers a relatively low-cost and accessible means for smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods, providing meat, milk, and hides for both subsistence and commercial purposes. This initiative reflects efforts to diversify rural income sources and reduce vulnerability among farming communities, which constitute the majority of Burundi’s population. Enhancing livestock production complements agricultural activities and contributes modestly to rural economic resilience. The IMF’s structural adjustment programs in Burundi were suspended following the outbreak of the crisis in 1993, as the deteriorating political and security environment rendered continued economic reform efforts untenable. The suspension of these programs halted planned fiscal and monetary reforms, further delaying progress toward economic stabilization and growth. The crisis disrupted donor confidence and financial flows, exacerbating economic contraction and undermining institutional reforms necessary for industrial development. The World Bank identified several key growth areas for Burundi’s economy, including improving the productivity of traditional crops, introducing new export commodities, developing light manufacturing industries, promoting industrial mining, and expanding the services sector. These priorities reflect a strategic vision to diversify the economy beyond subsistence agriculture and limited agro-processing. Enhancing productivity and value addition in agriculture, coupled with the development of nascent industrial and service sectors, was seen as essential for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Burundi faces major economic challenges related to the government’s role in the economy, issues of transparency, and the urgent need for debt reduction. The government’s involvement in economic activities has often been characterized by inefficiency and a lack of clear regulatory frameworks, which have discouraged private sector investment. Transparency concerns, including corruption and weak governance, have further impeded economic development and donor confidence. Additionally, the high external debt burden limits fiscal flexibility and necessitates debt relief measures to enable increased investment in infrastructure and industry. In 1996, neighboring countries imposed an economic embargo on Burundi to protest the coup led by President Pierre Buyoya. Although the embargo was not officially ratified by the United Nations Security Council, most countries avoided official trade with Burundi, effectively isolating the country economically. This regional embargo severely restricted Burundi’s access to markets and foreign investment, exacerbating economic decline and deepening the humanitarian crisis. The embargo’s impact was felt across all sectors, including industry, agriculture, and services. Following the coup, the United States suspended all aid to Burundi except for humanitarian assistance. This suspension reflected concerns over the legitimacy of the new government and the ongoing political instability. The reduction in aid further strained Burundi’s already fragile economy, limiting resources available for development projects and social services. Humanitarian aid continued to provide critical support to vulnerable populations amidst the escalating conflict and economic hardship. The regional embargo was lifted on January 23, 1999, after the Burundian government made tangible progress in national reconciliation through the Burundi peace process. The lifting of trade restrictions marked a significant step toward reintegration into the regional and global economy. It enabled the resumption of trade flows, renewed donor engagement, and the gradual restoration of economic activities. The peace process and subsequent normalization of relations were crucial for creating a more conducive environment for economic recovery and industrial development. According to an article titled “The Blood Cries Out” published in Foreign Policy, Burundi’s population growth rate stands at 2.5 percent annually, which is more than double the global average. This rapid demographic expansion places considerable pressure on the country’s limited resources, infrastructure, and social services. High population growth exacerbates challenges related to land availability, food security, and employment, complicating efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and industrialization. The average number of children per Burundian woman is 6.3, nearly triple the international fertility rate. This high fertility rate contributes to the country’s rapid population growth and has significant implications for health care, education, and economic planning. The demographic profile underscores the need for comprehensive family planning and reproductive health programs to manage population dynamics and support development objectives. Most Burundians rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods; however, rapid population growth combined with a lack of effective land ownership policies has resulted in many households having insufficient land to sustain themselves. The fragmentation of landholdings due to inheritance practices and population pressures has led to decreasing farm sizes and reduced agricultural productivity. This situation limits the capacity of rural families to generate adequate food and income, perpetuating poverty and food insecurity. In 2014, the average farm size in Burundi was approximately one acre, reflecting the small-scale nature of agricultural holdings across the country. Such limited land parcels constrain the potential for mechanization, crop diversification, and economies of scale that are essential for increasing productivity and commercial agriculture. Small farm sizes also hinder the development of agro-processing industries that rely on consistent and sizable raw material supplies. The same Foreign Policy article highlighted that Burundi had the highest hunger and malnutrition rates among 120 countries assessed in the 2013 Global Hunger Index. This alarming statistic underscores the severity of food insecurity and undernutrition in the country, which are driven by factors including poverty, limited agricultural productivity, conflict, and inadequate health and social services. High levels of hunger and malnutrition have profound implications for human capital development, economic productivity, and social stability, posing significant challenges for Burundi’s overall development trajectory.
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Burundi ranks among the least electrified countries globally, with only about 10% of its population having access to electricity. This limited access reflects the broader challenges faced by the nation in expanding its energy infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for power. In 2022, the country produced a total of 565 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, a modest output relative to the population size and developmental needs. The generation mix during that year was evenly split between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, with each accounting for approximately 50% of the total electricity produced. This balance underscores Burundi’s reliance on both traditional and sustainable energy forms, although the overall scale of production remains insufficient to fulfill domestic demand fully. Oil constitutes the primary fossil fuel used in Burundi’s energy production. Despite the country’s limited domestic reserves, oil-fired power plants have historically played a significant role in electricity generation, particularly in urban centers. However, reliance on oil has posed economic and environmental challenges, including high operational costs and vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations. In contrast, renewable energy in Burundi is predominantly sourced from hydropower, which leverages the country’s abundant water resources. Hydroelectricity forms the backbone of the renewable sector, complemented by smaller contributions from solar energy and bioenergy. Solar installations, although limited in scale, have been increasingly promoted to provide off-grid solutions in rural areas, while bioenergy projects utilize agricultural residues and biomass to supplement the energy mix. Despite these production efforts, domestic electricity generation has consistently fallen short of meeting Burundi’s overall demand. This shortfall has necessitated significant energy imports from neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These imports help bridge the supply gap but also expose Burundi to external market dependencies and potential supply disruptions. Enhancing local production capacity and improving grid reliability have thus become central priorities for the government and international development partners. A landmark development in Burundi’s energy sector was the commissioning of the Rusumo Hydroelectric Power Station in 2023. This facility added 27 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid, marking a substantial increase in the country’s renewable energy capacity. The Rusumo project is situated on the Kagera River, which forms part of the border between Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania, and represents a collaborative regional effort to harness shared water resources for sustainable power generation. The addition of the Rusumo power station, combined with upgrades to transmission infrastructure, enabled Burundi to deliver more reliable and consistent electricity supply to its capital city, Gitega. Improved grid stability and increased generation capacity have had positive impacts on economic activities and public services in the capital and surrounding areas. The operationalization of the Rusumo facility also allowed Burundi to decommission an aging oil-fired power station that had previously supplied electricity to Gitega. This transition from fossil fuel-based generation to renewable hydropower resulted in cost savings exceeding two million US dollars, reflecting reduced fuel expenditures and lower maintenance requirements. The closure of the oil-fired plant not only contributed to fiscal savings but also aligned with broader environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. The Rusumo Hydroelectric Power Station was developed as part of a wider international aid-assisted initiative aimed at promoting low-carbon electrification and expanding electricity access throughout Burundi. This initiative involved multiple stakeholders, including regional governments, international financial institutions, and development agencies, all collaborating to address energy poverty and support sustainable development. The project exemplifies the increasing emphasis on renewable energy investments in East Africa as a means to achieve energy security, economic growth, and climate resilience. Looking ahead, the Burundian government is advancing a major domestic hydropower project at Rubrizi, which is receiving substantial financial backing from the African Development Bank and the European Union. This ambitious endeavor reflects Burundi’s strategic focus on scaling up renewable energy capacity to meet future demand and reduce dependence on imported electricity and fossil fuels. The Rubrizi hydropower station is scheduled for completion in December 2024 and is designed to generate 160 MW of electricity, which will make it the largest power station in the country by a significant margin. The scale of the Rubrizi project is expected to transform Burundi’s energy landscape by dramatically increasing the availability of clean, reliable power. Once operational, the Rubrizi power station, along with associated transmission infrastructure improvements, is projected to extend electricity access to approximately 7% of Burundi’s population. This expansion will contribute to narrowing the substantial electrification gap and fostering socioeconomic development, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The project’s emphasis on renewable hydropower aligns with national and regional commitments to sustainable energy pathways and climate change mitigation. Together, the Rusumo and Rubrizi projects represent critical milestones in Burundi’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy security, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the quality of life for its citizens through expanded access to electricity.
The economic trajectory of Burundi from 1980 through 2024 is marked by a complex interplay of growth, contraction, inflationary pressures, and fiscal adjustments, as reflected in key macroeconomic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, inflation rates, and government debt levels. In 1980, Burundi’s economy was characterized by a GDP of 1.54 billion US dollars measured at purchasing power parity (PPP), while the nominal GDP stood at 0.95 billion US dollars. The GDP per capita at that time was relatively low, amounting to 375 US dollars (PPP), indicative of the country’s status as one of the less developed economies globally. The real GDP growth rate in 1980 was negative, registering a contraction of −6.8%, which underscored the economic challenges faced during that period. Inflation was modest, recorded at 1.2%, suggesting limited price volatility despite the contraction. Data on government debt for that year was not available, leaving a gap in understanding the fiscal stance at the start of the decade. Throughout the 1980s, Burundi experienced a gradual expansion in its economic output, with GDP increasing steadily to reach 3.33 billion US dollars (PPP) by 1989. This near doubling of GDP over the decade reflected a period of relative economic growth, although it was punctuated by fluctuations in both growth rates and inflationary pressures. For instance, in 1985, GDP was reported at 2.55 billion US dollars (PPP), yet inflation surged to 11.8%, indicating episodes of price instability that likely affected purchasing power and economic planning. The decade’s economic performance was thus characterized by incremental growth tempered by inflationary episodes, which may have been influenced by both domestic factors and external shocks such as commodity price fluctuations or regional instability. The 1990s introduced a period of notable volatility in Burundi’s macroeconomic indicators. The GDP initially rose from 3.57 billion US dollars (PPP) in 1990 to a peak of 4.04 billion US dollars (PPP) in 1992, suggesting a brief phase of economic expansion. However, this growth was not sustained, as the mid-1990s witnessed a reversal with GDP declining to 3.58 billion US dollars (PPP) in 1995 and further contracting to 3.35 billion US dollars (PPP) in 1996. These declines reflected the impact of political instability, civil conflict, and economic disruptions that plagued the country during this tumultuous decade. Inflation rates during the 1990s also exhibited significant variability. Notably, the country experienced deflationary periods in 1993 and 1994, with inflation rates of −6.2% and −3.8% respectively, indicating a reduction in the general price level. This deflation may have been symptomatic of collapsing demand or economic contraction. Conversely, inflation soared to 19.2% in 1995, marking a period of high price instability likely linked to fiscal imbalances and currency pressures. Government debt as a percentage of GDP remained relatively low throughout the 1980s, reflecting cautious fiscal management or limited access to external borrowing. However, by the late 1990s, there was a marked increase in debt levels, with government debt rising to 31.1% of GDP in 1997. This escalation in indebtedness may have been driven by the need to finance reconstruction efforts, social programs, or to stabilize the economy amid ongoing challenges. Following this peak, government debt levels fluctuated in subsequent years, reflecting varying fiscal policies, debt relief initiatives, and economic conditions. The early 2000s marked a period of economic recovery and growth for Burundi. GDP rose from 4.03 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2001 to 4.66 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2004, indicating a renewed expansion in economic activity. Correspondingly, GDP per capita increased from 585 to 623 US dollars (PPP) over the same period, signaling improvements in average individual economic well-being. This recovery phase likely benefited from relative political stabilization, international aid inflows, and efforts to rebuild key sectors of the economy. Inflation rates during this period remained moderate, contributing to a more predictable economic environment conducive to investment and consumption. From 2005 onwards, Burundi experienced a phase of steady economic growth. The GDP expanded from 5.02 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2005 to 8.80 billion US dollars (PPP) by 2014, reflecting sustained increases in production and economic diversification. GDP per capita also rose significantly, from 668 US dollars (PPP) in 2005 to 888 US dollars (PPP) in 2014, illustrating gradual improvements in living standards. This period of growth was accompanied by efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, and governance reforms, which collectively contributed to the upward economic trajectory. Inflation rates during this decade showed variability, with notable peaks such as 4.9% in 2008 and again in 2013, indicating episodes of price pressures that required monetary policy responses. The years 2015 through 2017 witnessed a slowdown in Burundi’s economic momentum, with GDP growth rates declining and even turning negative in certain years. In 2015, the GDP was recorded at 8.53 billion US dollars (PPP), but the real GDP growth rate contracted sharply by −3.9%, reflecting economic distress likely linked to political unrest and external shocks. The following year, 2016, saw a slight contraction as well, with GDP at 8.56 billion US dollars (PPP) and a marginal negative growth rate of −0.6%. This period of stagnation underscored the fragility of the economic recovery and the susceptibility of Burundi’s economy to internal and external disruptions. From 2018 onward, signs of economic recovery became evident. GDP increased from 8.94 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2018 to 12.59 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2023, continuing further to 13.17 billion US dollars (PPP) in 2024. This upward trend reflected renewed economic activity, improved political stability, and possibly enhanced international cooperation and investment. The GDP per capita also rose during this period, moving from 798 US dollars (PPP) in 2018 to 970 US dollars (PPP) in 2023, and reaching 986 US dollars (PPP) in 2024. These increases indicated a gradual but steady improvement in the average economic well-being of Burundian citizens, although the levels remained modest by global standards. Inflation rates throughout the decades fluctuated considerably, with periods of both low and high inflation. For example, in 2020, inflation was exceptionally low at 0.3%, suggesting a stable price environment, possibly influenced by subdued demand or effective monetary policies. In contrast, years such as 2008 and 2013 saw inflation rates rise to 4.9%, reflecting temporary price pressures that may have been driven by external factors such as commodity price shocks or internal fiscal imbalances. These fluctuations in inflation underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Burundi in maintaining price stability amid varying economic conditions. Government debt as a percentage of GDP exhibited significant variation over the years, reflecting shifts in fiscal policy, borrowing strategies, and economic circumstances. A particularly high debt burden was recorded in 2004, when government debt reached 172.7% of GDP, an exceptionally elevated level that likely resulted from accumulated arrears, external borrowing, and fiscal deficits. Following this peak, debt levels declined substantially to 37.9% of GDP by 2013, indicating successful debt management efforts, possibly including debt relief initiatives and fiscal consolidation. However, by 2024, government debt had risen again to 86.8% of GDP, suggesting renewed borrowing or fiscal pressures that increased the debt burden. These fluctuations highlight the ongoing fiscal challenges faced by Burundi in balancing development needs with sustainable debt management. Overall, the data from 1980 to 2024 illustrate periods of economic instability, recovery, and growth in Burundi’s macroeconomic landscape. Key turning points include the early 2000s, which marked the beginning of a recovery phase following years of conflict and economic decline, and the post-2015 period, where the economy initially slowed but later showed signs of resurgence. Throughout these decades, Burundi’s economic resilience has been tested by political upheavals, structural challenges, and external shocks, yet the country has demonstrated capacity for recovery and gradual improvement in economic indicators. The macroeconomic trends reflect the broader socio-political context of Burundi and underscore the importance of sustained policy efforts to foster stable and inclusive economic growth.