Burundi: housing

How much does it cost to build a house in Burundi?

The cost of building new homes in Burundi fell 0.2% in September 2026 compared with August, according to the INSBU construction cost index for new housing (ICCLB). Building materials fell 0.2%, with iron roofing sheets down 2.7%, and equipment and equipment hire fell 1.2%.

Over the third quarter, the index rose 1.1% compared with the previous quarter. The index measures changes in the cost of inputs for building a standard new dwelling, not house prices or rents, which INSBU does not publish. It is used to revise building contracts and to track costs in the construction sector.

Official sources: INSBU: Construction cost index for new housing, September 2026 (PDF)

How many people in Burundi have clean water and sanitation?

65.9% of people in Burundi used at least a basic drinking water service in 2024, and 44.6% used at least basic sanitation, according to the World Bank, from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. Both shares were almost unchanged from 2023.

A basic water service means an improved source within a 30-minute round trip; basic sanitation means an improved toilet not shared with other households. Housing conditions are measured in Burundi's census and household surveys, run by INSBU.

Official sources: World Bank: Basic drinking water services, Burundi · World Bank: Basic sanitation services, Burundi

What share of Burundi is urban?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people living in urban areas in Burundi at 25.7% in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 44th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 44.9%. World rank, highest first: 181st of 193.

How common are informal settlements in Burundi?

According to UN-Habitat, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Burundi was 36.8% in 2022. That is the lowest since at least 2006. It is 43rd highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 48.7%. Worldwide: 63rd of 170.

What is the electricity access rate in Burundi?

The World Bank puts the share of people with access to electricity in Burundi at 20.1% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 57.8%, and Burundi placed 44th highest of 48. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 189th highest.

What is access to clean cooking in Burundi?

In 2024, the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Burundi was 0.0%, according to the WHO. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 13.0%; Burundi is 47th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 191st of 192.