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--- countries:burundi [2026/03/05 09:46] – charlton
+++ countries:burundi [2026/03/05 10:06] (current) – charlton
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 ====== Burundi ======
-^ Governance (IIAG) ^ Population ^ Informality Snapshot ^
+**Region:** Central / East Africa
-| **Score:** 41.4 / 100 \\\\ **Rank:** 43 / 54 | **14,374,796** \\\\ (June 2025 estimate, UN via Worldometer) | **Informal economy:** 35.3% of GDP \\\\ **Approx.:** USD 4 billion (GDP PPP) \\\\ **Workforce informal:** ~95% |
+**Regional Economic Communities (REC):** COMESA · EAC · ECCAS
-**Navigation:** [[#mapping|High-Level Mapping]] · [[#part2|Sector Regulation]] · [[#sources|Sources / Links]]
+^ 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% |
 ----
-===== High-Level Country Mapping =====
+===== PART 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING =====
-{{anchor>mapping}}
 ==== Institutions and Stakeholder Database ====
 (To be linked)
+----
 ==== REC Membership ====
-  * COMESA
-  * EAC
+  * COMESA
-  * ECCAS
+  * EAC
+  * ECCAS
+----
 ==== 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.
-  * The Constitution is the supreme law.
+Burundi’s legal system is a mixed system combining elements of **Belgian civil law** and **customary 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
-  * The right to organise and collective bargaining
-  * Conventions addressing 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.
+  * Fundamental rights at work
+  * Freedom of association
+  * Collective bargaining
+  * Elimination of the worst forms of child labour
+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.
-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
-  * ICESCR
+Burundi has ratified key instruments including:
+  * 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 these protections, enforcement challenges remain. Reports frequently highlight:
-Despite the existence of legal protections, enforcement challenges remain. Reports frequently highlight:
   * Restrictions on freedom of association
   * Incidents of forced labour
   * 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 Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All** supports Burundi in extending social protection to informal workers by addressing:
-The ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All supports Burundi in extending social protection to informal workers by addressing:
   * Legal barriers
   * Administrative barriers
   * 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 ====
-Burundi has taken steps to align labour law with international standards and extend protection to informal workers.
-=== 2020 Labour Code ===
+Burundi has begun aligning labour legislation with international labour standards in order to extend protections to informal workers.
-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.
-=== Social Protection Code (2020) ===
+===== Labour Code (2020) =====
-The Social Protection Code of 2020 provides for:
-  * Financing of non-contributory social protection schemes
-  * Establishment of a dedicated social protection fund
-=== Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023 ===
+The **Labour Code of 2020** forms part of broader labour law reform efforts.
-The DWCP prioritises:
-  * Extension of social security coverage
-  * Inclusion of workers in informal and rural economies
-[[#part2|Go to Sector Regulation]] · [[#sources|Go to Sources/Links]]
+Although a large share of the workforce remains in informal employment — particularly in agriculture — the government is pursuing policies aimed at:
-----
+  * Integration into formal systems
+  * Expansion of labour protections
+  * Improved access to social protection
-===== Part 2 – Sector-Specific Regulation =====
+===== Social Protection Code (2020) =====
-{{anchor>part2}}
-**Jump to sector:** [[#domestic|Domestic Work]] · [[#street|Street Vendors]] · [[#waste|Waste Reclaiming]] · [[#home|Home Working]] · [[#gig|Gig Work & Platform Economy]] · [[#farm|Farm Work]] · [[#mining|Mining & Artisanal Mining]] · [[#transport|Taxi & Transport]] · [[#trade|Cross-Border Informal Trade]]
+The **Social Protection Code (Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020)** provides for:
+  * Financing of non-contributory social protection schemes
+  * Establishment of a dedicated national social protection fund
+===== Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020–2023 =====
+Key priorities include:
+  * Extending social security coverage
+  * Including workers in rural and informal economies
 ----
+===== PART 2 – SECTOR-SPECIFIC REGULATION =====
 ==== Domestic Work ====
-{{anchor>domestic}}
-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**
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+Ratifies the agreement between the Government of Burundi and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the recruitment of domestic workers.
 ----
 ==== Street Vendors ====
-{{anchor>street}}
-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:
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+  * Are **exempt from registration in the Trade Register**
+  * Must obtain a **street vendor identification number** from the local authority (Art. 45).
 ----
 ==== Waste Reclaiming ====
-{{anchor>waste}}
-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.
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
 ----
 ==== Home Working ====
-{{anchor>home}}
-Burundi
-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.
+Burundi does not have a separate legal framework specifically regulating **remote work**.
-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.
+However, the **Labour Code recognises home-working contracts** where work is performed outside the employer’s premises.
-Home-workers are entitled to the same working conditions and social protection as those working on company premises.
+Key features include:
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+  * Contracts must be **in writing**
+  * They may be **fixed-term or indefinite**
+  * 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”) ====
-{{anchor>gig}}
-Burundi (‘self-employed’ sector)
+**Ministerial Order No. 620/57 of 20 March 1984**
-• 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.
+Introduces a **medical assistance card** available on a voluntary basis to Burundians aged 21 and above working in the self-employed sector.
-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)
+**Social Protection Code (Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020)**
-• Act No. 1/12 of 12 May 2020 containing the Social Protection Code in Burundi.
+Defines:
-Insured person means any person covered against social risks, whether he/she is an employee, a self-employed person, etc. (Art 8(2)).
+  * **Insured persons** as individuals covered against social risks, including employees and self-employed persons.
-Self-employed person, a free-lancer who is the owner and is his own employee. (Art 9(32)).
+  * **Self-employed persons** as freelancers who operate their own economic activities.
-The basic schemes cover members of the independent and liberal professions. (Art 23(5)).
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+The social protection framework includes coverage for members of independent and liberal professions.
 ----
 ==== Farm Work ====
-{{anchor>farm}}
-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**.
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+The **2020 Labour Code** and **Social Protection Code** aim to improve legal protection and social security coverage for rural workers.
 ----
 ==== Mining Sector and Artisanal Mining ====
-{{anchor>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.
-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
   * 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.
+  * Quarry exploitation
+  * Mineral resource extraction
-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.
-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).
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
 ----
 ==== Taxi and Transport Sector ====
-{{anchor>transport}}
-In Burundi, self-employed taxi drivers are subject to regulations concerning vehicle registration, safety standards and potentially taxation. Specific legislation focused exclusively on taxi drivers is limited.
+Self-employed taxi drivers in Burundi are subject to regulations concerning:
-The Ministry of Transport oversees vehicle registration requirements.
+  * Vehicle registration
-Drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles comply with local council safety and operational standards.
+  * Safety standards
-Taxi drivers may also be affected by broader labour law and social security provisions applicable to self-employed or informal workers.
+  * Municipal licensing requirements
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+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**.
 ----
 ==== Cross-Border Informal Trade ====
-{{anchor>trade}}
-Burundi has taken steps to formalise and regulate cross-border informal trade, particularly in relation to trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
+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)
+**Simplified Trade Regime (STR)**
-Introduced to reduce trade barriers and simplify customs procedures for small-scale cross-border traders.
+Reduces customs barriers and simplifies procedures for small-scale traders.
-Joint Border Committees (JBCs)
-Established to improve coordination between border authorities and traders, facilitating faster, safer and more cost-effective cross-border trade.
-Bilateral Trade Agreement between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (April 2022)
+**Joint Border Committees (JBCs)**
-Provides the framework for cooperation on cross-border trade and supports the implementation of Joint Border Committees.
+Improve coordination between border authorities and traders.
-Small-scale traders, particularly women traders, are expected to benefit from these initiatives through improved market access and reduced administrative obstacles.
+**Bilateral Trade Agreement (April 2022)**
+Between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting improved cross-border trade governance.
-[[#part2|Back to sectors]] · [[#mapping|Back to top]]
+These initiatives particularly benefit **small-scale traders and women traders**, improving access to regional markets.
 ----
 ===== Sources / Links =====
-{{anchor>sources}}
   * Institutions and Stakeholder Database – Burundi (to be linked)
   * IIAG – Burundi (to be linked)
-  * Worldometer / UN population link (to be linked)
+  * Worldometer / UN Population Data (to be linked)
-  * ILO profile + DWCP link (to be linked)
+  * ILO Country Profile and DWCP documentation (to be linked)