Payment methods in Burundi

Africa

3methods

2banks

Mobile money penetration is approximately 1%, one of the lowest in Africa — significant growth potential exists.

Market takeaways

Mobile money penetration is approximately 1%, one of the lowest in Africa — significant growth potential exists.
Approximately 11 fintech startups operate in Burundi, mostly focused on mobile money and digital payments.
AfriPay is a digital bank offering accounts, transfers, and payment services.
IBB Mobile Plus (Interbank Burundi, launched 2021) provides digital banking services via a modern platform.
Cash dominates virtually all economic transactions; formal banking is concentrated in Bujumbura.

Population

~14M

Online population

~2M

Banked population

~10%

Mobile Money Penetration

~1% of adults

Credit card population

~0.5%

Payment method breakdown

Cash90%
Mobile Money5%
Bank Transfer4%
Card1%
Other0%

Card scheme breakdown

Visa60%
Mastercard35%
Local Schemes5%
Other0%

Cross-border e-commerce

Market data coming soon.

Featured payment methods in Burundi

Popular options based on coverage and prominence in this market.

AfriPay

AfriPay is a Burundian digital bank offering accounts, transfers, and payment services. It is part of the emerging fintech ecosystem, targeting the underbanked urban population.

IBB Mobile Plus

IBB Mobile Plus is a digital banking platform launched in 2021 by Interbank Burundi, providing mobile bank account management, transfers, and payments using a modern digital banking platform.

Lumicash (Econet Leo)

Lumicash is Burundi's primary mobile money platform, operated by Econet Leo. It provides P2P transfers, bill payments, airtime top-up, and agent-based cash services to mobile subscribers. It remains small relative to the population but is one of the few active mobile money services.