Burundi: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Burundi?

Burundi's real GDP was 3.4% higher in the first quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Burundi (INSBU) quarterly national accounts note. The primary sector grew 2.8%, the secondary sector 5.9% and services 3.0%.

For full years, the IMF World Economic Outlook puts growth at 4.2% in 2025 and projects 3.6% for 2026. INSBU's quarterly accounts are now published at current prices and in chained volumes; food crop farming, which grew 3.2% in the quarter, drives much of the primary sector. Quarterly figures are revised when annual accounts are finalised.

Official sources: INSBU: Quarterly national accounts note, Q1 2026 (PDF) · IMF DataMapper: Real GDP growth, Burundi

What is the inflation rate in Burundi?

Consumer prices in Burundi were 7.4% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, down from 8.4% in August, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Burundi (INSBU). Average inflation over the last twelve months was 12.6%, down from 14.3%.

Food prices rose 1.6% over the year to September, while non-food prices rose 15.1%. Core inflation, which excludes fuel, energy and fresh products, was 5.9%. The index has base 100 in 2016/2017 and, since July 2025, covers the five provinces of the new administrative map. The IMF puts average inflation at 34.0% in 2025 and projects 10.5% for 2026.

Official sources: INSBU: Consumer price index, September 2026 (PDF) · IMF DataMapper: Inflation, Burundi

What is the interest rate in Burundi?

The policy rate (taux directeur) of the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) is 10.00%, in force since 26 February 2026, according to the bank's website on 15 October 2026. The daily weighted average interbank rate shown on the same page was 14.42%.

The policy rate is the rate at which the BRB lends to banks in its main refinancing operations, and it guides the cost of credit in the economy. The interbank rate is the rate banks charge each other for short-term loans and is set by the market. The BRB publishes its monetary policy statements and reports on its website.

Official sources: Bank of the Republic of Burundi

What is the exchange rate of the Burundian franc?

The official mid-rate of the Burundian franc was 3,010.86 francs per US dollar and 3,374.07 francs per euro on 15 October 2026, according to the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB). The buying and selling rates for the dollar were 2,986.77 and 3,034.95 francs.

The BRB publishes the official rates each working day. Rates offered by banks and licensed exchange bureaus may differ from the official rate. The IMF puts GDP per person at about $469 in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook, a figure that moves with the exchange rate.

Official sources: Bank of the Republic of Burundi · IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Burundi

How fast is Burundi's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Burundi was 4.2% in 2025. The peak was 5.4% in 2006 and the low -0.4% in 2015. It is 25th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 4.6%. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 64th highest.

What is Burundi's GDP per person?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $234. Since 2005 it has ranged from $147 (2005) to $302 (2022). It is 46th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $1,351. World rank, highest first: 180th of 180.

What is Burundi's GDP per person adjusted for prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $1,248 in international dollars. No year since 2005 has been higher. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $4,425 in international dollars; Burundi is 46th highest of 46. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 179th highest.

Does Burundi earn more abroad than it spends?

-13.7% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Burundi for 2025, according to the IMF, which is a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at -0.5% of GDP; its low point was 2023, at -18.4% of GDP. It is 18th highest of 20 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -3.6% of GDP. Worldwide: 122nd of 132.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Burundi?

1.0% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Burundi for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 4.8% of GDP; its low point was 2016, at 0.0% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.0% of GDP; Burundi is 37th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 123rd of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Burundi?

According to the IMF, the average bank lending rate in Burundi was 12.4% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.2% (2023) to 18.4% (2005). It is 12th highest of 16 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 17.6%. Worldwide: 23rd of 73.