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--- countries:burundi [2026/03/05 05:26] – [Domestic Work] charlton
+++ countries:burundi [2026/03/05 10:06] (current) – charlton
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 ====== Burundi ======
-===== INSTITUTIONS AND STAKEHOLDER DATABASE =====
+**Region:** Central / East Africa
+**Regional Economic Communities (REC):** COMESA · EAC · ECCAS
-==== REC MEMBERSHIP ====
+^ Indicator ^ Data ^
+| **Governance (IIAG)** | Score: 41.4 / 100 · Rank: 43 / 54 |
+| **Population** | 14,374,796 (June 2025 estimate based on UN data via Worldometer) |
+| **Informal Economy** | Approx. 35.3% of GDP |
+| **Estimated Informal Workforce** | ~95% |
-  * COMESA
+----
-  * EAC
-  * ECCAS
-==== Governance Indicators ====
+===== PART 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING =====
-  * [[https://iiag.online/locations/bi.html|Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)]] Overall Governance Score: 41.4 / 100
+==== Institutions and Stakeholder Database ====
-  * Rank: 43rd out of 54 countries
+(To be linked)
-==== Population and Informal Economy ====
+----
-The current population of Burundi is 14,374,796 (June 2025 estimate based on United Nations data via Worldometer).
+==== REC Membership ====
-The size of Burundi's informal economy is estimated at 35.3% of GDP (approximately USD 4 billion at GDP PPP levels).
+  * COMESA
+  * EAC
+  * ECCAS
-It is estimated that approximately 95% of Burundians work in the informal economy. This includes mainly small-scale agriculture, as well as services, industry, and trade. In the absence of formal employment opportunities, many young people work in the informal sector.
+----
-===== Nature of the Legal System and ILO Status =====
+==== Nature of the Legal System and ILO Status ====
-Burundi’s legal system is a mixed system combining elements of Belgian civil law and customary law.
+Burundi’s legal system is a mixed system combining elements of **Belgian civil law** and **customary law**.
-  * The Constitution is the supreme law.
+Key characteristics include:
+  * The **Constitution** is the supreme law.
   * Legislation, including presidential decrees, has binding authority.
   * International treaties must be ratified and incorporated into domestic law.
-  * Customary law plays a significant role, particularly in personal matters at local level.
+  * Customary law plays an important role, particularly in personal and community matters.
-Burundi has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1963.
+Burundi has been a member of the **International Labour Organization (ILO)** since **1963**.
-The country has ratified several ILO conventions, including:
+The country has ratified several **ILO conventions**, including those relating to:
-  * Conventions relating to fundamental rights at work
+  * Fundamental rights at work
-  * The right to organise and collective bargaining
+  * Freedom of association
-  * Conventions addressing the worst forms of child labour
+  * Collective bargaining
+  * Elimination of the worst forms of child labour
-Burundi has developed a Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023, aligned with national development plans and aimed at mobilising resources for ILO-supported activities.
+Burundi also implemented a **Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023**, aligned with national development strategies.
-===== Workers’ Rights in the Human Rights System, Labour Law and Social Protection =====
+----
-Burundi’s workers’ rights framework consists of constitutional protections, labour legislation, and ratified international and regional human rights instruments.
+==== Workers’ Rights in the Human Rights System, Labour Law and Social Protection ====
-Burundi has ratified key international and regional treaties, including:
+Burundi’s framework for workers’ rights includes **constitutional protections**, **labour legislation**, and **international human rights treaties**.
-  * ICCPR
+Burundi has ratified key instruments including:
-  * ICESCR
+  * International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
+  * International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
   * African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
 These instruments recognise rights such as:
-  * The right to fair wages
+  * Fair wages
   * Safe and healthy working conditions
   * Freedom of association
+  * Collective bargaining
-Despite the existence of legal protections, enforcement challenges remain. Reports frequently highlight:
+Despite these protections, enforcement challenges remain. Reports frequently highlight:
   * Restrictions on freedom of association
@@ Line 63: / Line 74: @@
   * Low wages and poor working conditions
   * Limited access to justice
+----
 ==== Social Protection System ====
-Burundi’s social protection system is currently undergoing revision with a focus on:
+Burundi’s social protection system is undergoing reform aimed at:
   * Expanding coverage
-  * Improving coordination
+  * Improving coordination of programmes
   * Addressing poverty and vulnerability
-  * Integrating contributory and non-contributory programmes
+  * Integrating contributory and non-contributory schemes
-A key initiative is the establishment of a Unified Social Registry to improve targeting and resource allocation.
+A major initiative is the creation of a **Unified Social Registry**, designed to improve targeting of social assistance programmes.
-The ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All supports Burundi in extending social protection to informal workers by addressing:
+The **ILO Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All** supports Burundi in extending social protection to informal workers by addressing:
   * Legal barriers
@@ Line 81: / Line 94: @@
   * Financial constraints
-The programme aims to develop sustainable social protection systems in line with ILO standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.
+----
-===== Protection of Workers in the Informal Economy =====
+==== Protection of Workers in the Informal Economy ====
-Burundi has taken steps to align labour law with international standards and extend protection to informal workers.
+Burundi has begun aligning labour legislation with international labour standards in order to extend protections to informal workers.
-==== 2020 Labour Code ====
+===== Labour Code (2020) =====
-The 2020 Labour Code forms part of broader reform efforts. Although a large proportion of workers remain in informal employment, especially in agriculture and related sectors, the government is working toward integration into formal systems and improved access to social protection.
+The **Labour Code of 2020** forms part of broader labour law reform efforts.
-==== Social Protection Code (2020) ====
+Although a large share of the workforce remains in informal employment — particularly in agriculture — the government is pursuing policies aimed at:
-The Social Protection Code of 2020 provides for:
+  * Integration into formal systems
+  * Expansion of labour protections
+  * Improved access to social protection
-  * Financing of non-contributory social protection schemes
+===== Social Protection Code (2020) =====
-  * Establishment of a dedicated social protection fund
-==== Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023 ====
+The **Social Protection Code (Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020)** provides for:
-The DWCP prioritises:
+  * Financing of non-contributory social protection schemes
+  * Establishment of a dedicated national social protection fund
-  * Extension of social security coverage
+===== Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023 =====
-  * Inclusion of workers in informal and rural economies
-===== PART 2 – Sector-Specific Regulation =====
+Key priorities include:
-The following sectors are identified for analysis:
+  * Extending social security coverage
+  * Including workers in rural and informal economies
+----
- ===== Sector-Specific Regulation =====
+===== PART 2 – SECTOR-SPECIFIC REGULATION =====
 ==== Domestic Work ====
-Burundi
+**Burundi**
-• Labour Code (Act No. 1/11 of 24 November 2020 revising Legislative Decree No. 1/037 of 7 July 1993)).
+• **Labour Code (Act No. 1/11 of 24 November 2020 revising Legislative Decree No. 1/037 of 7 July 1993)**
-  * Relations between domestic and informal sector workers and employers are governed by the Labor Code within the limits of the specific laws applicable to them. (Art. 2(2) of Art 3(2) of Labour Code).
+Relations between domestic and informal sector workers and employers are governed by the Labour Code within the limits of specific legislation applicable to them.
-  * The employment and working conditions of domestic servants who have an employment relationship with the householder are laid down by a special law. (Art 3(2) of Labour Code).
+The employment and working conditions of domestic servants employed by households are governed by a **special law** (Art. 3(2) of the Labour Code).
-• Act No. 1/18 of 18 May 2022 relating to the ratification by the Republic of Burundi of the agreement between the Government of Burundi and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the recruitment of domestic workers.
+• **Act No. 1/18 of 18 May 2022**
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+Ratifies the agreement between the Government of Burundi and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the recruitment of domestic workers.
 ----
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 ==== Street Vendors ====
-Burundi
+**Burundi**
-• Commercial Code (Act No. 1/07 of 26 April 2010) (see Arts 25, 26, 32, 41, 45-51).
+• **Commercial Code (Act No. 1/07 of 26 April 2010)**
-A street vendor is a retailer who constantly moves from one place to another within the national territory, for a variable period of time, in order to carry out a trade whose turnover does not exceed an amount determined by joint order of the Ministers responsible for finance and trade.
+A street vendor is defined as a retailer who moves from place to place within the national territory for a limited period in order to carry out commercial activity whose turnover does not exceed a threshold determined by ministerial order.
-Street vendors are exempt from registration in the Trade Register. However, they are required to obtain a street vendor identification number from their local authority. (Art. 45 of the Commercial Code).
+Street vendors:
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+  * Are **exempt from registration in the Trade Register**
+  * Must obtain a **street vendor identification number** from the local authority (Art. 45).
 ----
@@ Line 143: / Line 161: @@
 ==== Waste Reclaiming ====
-Burundi
+Burundi does not currently have legislation specifically regulating **informal waste reclaimers**.
-Burundi does not have specific, explicit legislation directly focused on waste reclaimers (informal waste pickers), but the broader environmental laws and policies address waste management and indirectly impact their activities.
+However, environmental legislation — including the **Environment Code** — addresses:
-The Constitution and Environment Code emphasize environmental protection, waste management, and the prevention of pollution.
+  * Waste management
+  * Pollution prevention
+  * Hazardous material control
-These frameworks establish principles for waste disposal, pollution control, and the management of hazardous materials, which can be relevant to reclaimers.
+These laws indirectly affect informal waste recovery activities.
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
 ----
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 ==== Home Working ====
-Burundi
+Burundi does not have a separate legal framework specifically regulating **remote work**.
-Burundi does not have a specific law on remote work or mobile work as distinct categories. However, the Burundian Labour Code does address home-working contracts.
+However, the **Labour Code recognises home-working contracts** where work is performed outside the employer’s premises.
-These contracts, where employees perform work at home or another chosen location, are recognized and must be in writing, either as fixed-term or open-ended agreements.
+Key features include:
-Home-workers are entitled to the same working conditions and social protection as those working on company premises.
+  * Contracts must be **in writing**
+  * They may be **fixed-term or indefinite**
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+  * Home workers must receive **the same labour protections and social protection** as workers employed on company premises.
 ----
-==== Gig Work and the Platform Economy (“self-employed” sector) ====
+==== Gig Work and the Platform Economy (“Self-Employed Sector”) ====
-Burundi (‘self-employed’ sector)
-• Ministerial Order No. 620/57 of 20 March 1984 concerning the introduction of the medical assistance card, as amended by Ministerial Ordinance No. 630/172 of 23 May 1996.
-Introduction of the medical assistance card, the voluntary acquisition of which is open to any Burundian aged 21 years whose activities fall within the self-employed sector. (Art 1)
+**Ministerial Order No. 620/57 of 20 March 1984**
-• Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020 containing the Social Protection Code in Burundi.
+Introduces a **medical assistance card** available on a voluntary basis to Burundians aged 21 and above working in the self-employed sector.
-  * Insured person means any person covered against social risks, whether he/she is an employee, a self-employed person, etc. (Art 8(2)).
+**Social Protection Code (Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020)**
-  * Self-employed person, a free-lancer who is the owner and is his own employee. (Art 9(32)).
+Defines:
-  * The basic schemes cover members of the independent and liberal professions. (Art 23(5)).
+  * **Insured persons** as individuals covered against social risks, including employees and self-employed persons.
+  * **Self-employed persons** as freelancers who operate their own economic activities.
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+The social protection framework includes coverage for members of independent and liberal professions.
 ----
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 ==== Farm Work ====
-Burundi
+Agricultural work in Burundi is governed by a combination of:
-In Burundi, farm work is governed by a combination of national laws and customary practices, with women often facing disadvantages in land ownership and inheritance.
+  * National labour legislation
+  * Customary land tenure practices
-The 2020 Labour Code aims to improve labour legislation according to ILO standards, and the Social Protection Code extends social security to those in the informal economy.
+Women often face disadvantages in **land ownership and inheritance rights**.
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+The **2020 Labour Code** and **Social Protection Code** aim to improve legal protection and social security coverage for rural workers.
 ----
@@ Line 203: / Line 219: @@
 ==== Mining Sector and Artisanal Mining ====
-Burundi
+The principal legal framework governing mining in Burundi is:
-The main legal framework for mining in Burundi, including artisanal mining, is the Mining Code (Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023, amending Act No. 1/21 of 15 October 2013).
+**Mining Code (Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023)**
+which amended **Act No. 1/21 of 15 October 2013**.
-This Code, along with its implementing decrees, regulates all mining activities, including prospecting, exploration, and exploitation, both industrial and artisanal.
+The Code regulates:
-Implementing Decrees include:
+  * Prospecting
+  * Exploration
+  * Industrial mining
+  * Artisanal mining
-• Mining Regulations (Decree No. 100/193 of 16 June 2015)
+Important implementing regulations include:
-This Decree sets out the terms and conditions for the implementation of the Mining Code (Act No. 1/21 of 15 October 2013 as amended by Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023).
+**Decree No. 100/193 of 16 June 2015**
+Mining regulations governing implementation of the Mining Code.
-It also regulates related matters not expressly set out, defined or regulated by the provisions of the Mining Code (Act No. 1/21 of 15 October 2013 as amended by Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023) (Art. 1).
+**Decree No. 100/224 of 23 November 2023**
-• Decree No. 100/224 of 23 November 2023 laying down the implementing provisions of Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023 relating to the Mining Code of Burundi in relation to artisanal mining, semi-mechanised mining, artisanal quarrying and mechanised quarrying.
+Regulates:
-This Decree shall be applicable to onshore and offshore minerals and must comply with the laws applicable in Burundi.
+  * Artisanal mining
+  * Semi-mechanised mining
+  * Quarry exploitation
+  * Mineral resource extraction
-This Decree sets out the terms and conditions for the implementation of the Mining Code (Act No. 1/21 of 15 October 2013 as amended by Act No. 1/19 of 4 August 2023) with regard to the exploitation of mineral resources:
+----
-  * Summary geological assessment
+==== Taxi and Transport Sector ====
-  * Artisanal mining
-  * Semi-mechanised mining
-  * Exploitation of Mines and Quarries in the Republic of Burundi other than Mines for Solid Fuel and Hydrocarbon Mines Exploited by Drilling.
-The provisions of this Regulation shall be applicable to mines, quarries, underground and open-pit mines (other than hydrocarbon mines operated by drilling) and to their legal dependencies where supervision is carried out by the Minister in charge of mines and quarries.
+Self-employed taxi drivers in Burundi are subject to regulations concerning:
-For exploration work carried out outside concessions, exploitation permits or authorisations, this general regulation shall outline the rules of good practice to be followed by the explorer. (Art. 1, §1).
+  * Vehicle registration
+  * Safety standards
+  * Municipal licensing requirements
-[[burundi|Back to Burundi Part 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING]]
+The **Ministry of Transport** oversees vehicle registration and compliance with operational standards.
+Taxi drivers may also fall within broader **labour law and social security frameworks applicable to self-employed workers**.
 ----
-==== Taxi and Transport Sector ====
+==== Cross-Border Informal Trade ====
-No Burundi-specific legislation identified in the current mapping.
+Burundi has adopted measures to support and formalise cross-border trade, particularly with the **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)**.
+Key initiatives include:
+**Simplified Trade Regime (STR)**
+Reduces customs barriers and simplifies procedures for small-scale traders.
+**Joint Border Committees (JBCs)**
+Improve coordination between border authorities and traders.
+**Bilateral Trade Agreement (April 2022)**
+Between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting improved cross-border trade governance.
+These initiatives particularly benefit **small-scale traders and women traders**, improving access to regional markets.
 ----
-==== Cross-Border Informal Trade ====
+===== Sources / Links =====
-No Burundi-specific legislation identified in the current mapping.
+  * Institutions and Stakeholder Database – Burundi (to be linked)
+  * IIAG – Burundi (to be linked)
+  * Worldometer / UN Population Data (to be linked)
+  * ILO Country Profile and DWCP documentation (to be linked)