Country guides

Launching mobile money in Burundi

Burundi's mobile money market is small but growing, with room for banks and MFIs to bring their customers onto wallets. Payment services and e-money are regulated by the Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB).

This guide is also available in:English Français العربية

Most people live in rural areas and use basic phones, so USSD and a dense agent network matter more than smartphone features.

MFIs and savings cooperatives already reach many households. A white-label wallet lets them offer transfers, savings and small loans on the phone under their own name.

The rules in brief

Regulator: Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB)
Main texts: BRB regulations on payment services and e-money issuers
Licence routes: Payment institution or e-money issuer licence from the BRB; or a partner bank
Minimum capital: Set by BRB regulation: confirm the current amount with the BRB
Interoperability: Check the BRB's current interoperability rules
KYC and limits: Tiered KYC with limits set by the BRB
Currency: Burundian franc (BIF)

Summary of published texts, checked on 2026-10-16. Rules change: confirm the current text with the regulator or your lawyer before you apply.

Payment rails to connect

Mobile money: 2 main operators
Banks

BurundiCurrency: BIF

Methods in Burundi

Mobile money
The country's mobile money networks
On agreement
Cards
Debit and credit cards through your acquirer
Adapter ready
Wallet
Your own wallet (with our mobile money product)
Adapter ready

Payouts to: mobile money

Each row is a method type; the networks behind it are set up in your back office as you connect them. Cards go through the acquirer you choose. The list grows as you sign rails.

Launching with PesaBridge, step by step

Choose your licence route: your own licence, a partner bank or e-money issuer, or a licensed aggregator.

Build your proposal online: countries, payment rails and plan, in 10 minutes.

We set up the platform, your brand and the payment rails while you finish the licence file.

Test with a pilot group of customers, agents and merchants, and with the regulator where required.

Go live, recruit agents and merchants, and add services and countries as you grow.

Questions

Can an MFI launch its own wallet?

Yes, with the right BRB authorisation or through a partner bank. PesaBridge connects the wallet to the MFI's savings and loan products.

Does the service work without smartphones?

Yes. Customers can use the USSD menu on any phone; agents work from the agent app.

Which languages are available?

French and English are ready; Kirundi can be added to the apps and the USSD menu.

Banque de la République du Burundi

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