Starting a Business in Burundi as an Expat: The Field Guide

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Setting up in Burundi to start a business means entering a market that is still under-saturated but demanding, where human relationships, patience, and the ability to navigate a fragile environment matter as much as the capital invested. A landlocked country in East Africa, a member of the EAC, COMESA, and the AfCFTA, Burundi combines real potential in agriculture, energy, financial services, digital technology, and tourism with significant challenges: limited infrastructure, difficult access to financing, sometimes slow administration, and a fragile political and economic context.

Good to Know:

To successfully establish a presence in Burundi, an expatriate must master four essential aspects: the legal and tax framework, the realities on the ground, the local business culture, and the financial ecosystem. This guide offers a pragmatic and updated overview to turn a project into an operational business.

Understanding the Terrain: Economy, Opportunities, and Constraints

Burundi is a small country in the Great Lakes region, with mountainous and plateau terrain, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DRC, and situated on Lake Tanganyika. Its population, estimated at around 13 million, is very young and predominantly rural. Over 80% of Burundians rely on agriculture, and this sector dominates the economy.

An Agricultural Country in Need of Diversification

Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy: it employs more than 80–90% of the population and has long accounted for up to half of GDP. Exports are largely agricultural: coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, fruits, vegetable oils, horticultural products, with coffee and tea representing more than 70% of export earnings at certain times.

Tip:

The country, dependent on imports for most manufactured goods and with low industrial processing, presents a window of opportunity for businesses capable of producing consumer goods, agricultural inputs, or processed agro-products locally.

Promising Sectors Identified

Sector diagnostics and national strategies converge: several areas offer significant potential for private investors, including foreign ones.

Sector	Identified Potential	Examples of Opportunities
Agribusiness & Agro‑processing	Favorable climate, rich soils, local & regional demand, need for upgrading	Processing of coffee and tea, juices, dried fruits, vegetable oils, condiments, biodegradable packaging
Energy (hydro, solar, mini‑grids)	Energy deficit, hydro projects supported by donors, significant renewable potential	Small hydropower plants for factories/agro‑sites, solar solutions for SMEs, rural mini‑grids
Mining	Rich deposits (gold, niobium, tin, tungsten, rare earths)	Services to mining companies, logistics, maintenance, security, local processing
Tourism & Leisure	Natural heritage (lake, mountains, forests) and cultural heritage (drums, dances), national tourism strategy	Ecolodges, outdoor activities, cultural tours, dining and tourism services
Digital & Financial Services	Low financial inclusion, explosive potential for mobile banking, internet still underutilized	Fintech, payment solutions, e‑commerce, digital services for SMEs, B2B platforms
Construction & Materials	Strong demand for infrastructure, imported or non‑standardized materials	Local material production units, prefabrication, low‑carbon solutions

The CPSD (Country Private Sector Diagnostic) and other studies also highlight opportunities for import substitution (processed food products, fertilizers, packaging, waste recycling).

A Fragile but Reforming Economy

Burundi remains a post‑conflict state with structural fragilities: unstable growth, high poverty (over 40% of the population), high unemployment, dependence on imports and international aid. The country was among the lowest in the Doing Business rankings, although notable progress has been made on business creation.

Several factors still hinder investors:

Attention:

The country faces insufficient infrastructure (limited paved roads, no railway, only one international airport, unstable electricity), a shortage of foreign currency with exchange controls hindering imports, regulatory complexity, significant bureaucracy and corruption (unfavorable ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index), making its business environment one of the most difficult in the world.

Despite this, the government shows a willingness to reform: a new Investment Code in 2021, modernization of taxation, simplification of business creation, strengthened regional integration, development of special economic zones, and encouragement of PPPs.

For an expatriate, the challenge is not to deny these risks, but to integrate them into the business model: safety margins, realistic timelines, supplier diversification, cash reserves, and systematic reliance on solid local partners.

Legal Framework: What the Investment Code Allows

The 2021 Investment Code marks a significant shift. It enshrines key principles:

– National treatment and most‑favored‑nation clause: a foreign investor cannot be treated less favorably than a local investor or an investor from another country.

– No general restriction on foreign ownership: in practice, an expatriate can hold 100% of a company’s capital, including a subsidiary or branch.

– Freedom of establishment and non‑discrimination: freedom to create and manage a business in most sectors.

– Investment protection framework: international arbitration mechanisms (ICSID Convention, New York Convention), bilateral agreements, possible intervention by MIGA for risk coverage.

Good to Know:

The Investment Code provides incentive measures for projects that meet specific criteria, such as a certain investment amount, a particular location, and their contribution to national development through job creation, technology transfer, or increased exports.

Investment Thresholds to Benefit from Incentives

To access the incentive regimes provided by the Code:

– a foreign project must reach at least 500,000 USD if located in Bujumbura;

– this threshold drops to 250,000 USD in other locations.

Sectors deemed priority (agriculture, agro‑industry, energy, mining, processing industry, innovative technologies, export‑oriented projects) may benefit from specific regimes, subject to meeting minimum capital amounts:

Priority Sector	Minimum Project Capital	Estimated Equivalent in USD
Agriculture & Processing Industry	1 billion BIF	≈ 550,000 USD
Energy & Mining	20 billion BIF	≈ 11,000,000 USD

It is therefore entirely possible to create a small company with a capital well below these thresholds; it simply will not automatically benefit from all the advantages of the Investment Code.

Choosing Your Legal Structure: SPRL, SA, Branch…

Burundian company law, of civil law tradition, offers several legal forms. For an expatriate entrepreneur, three options dominate: the limited liability company (SPRL/SARL), the public limited company (SA), and the branch of a foreign company.

Main Available Forms

Form	Key Characteristics	Interest for an Expatriate
Sole Proprietorship (SU)	Single owner, unlimited liability, simplified formalities	Suitable for very small activities, but limited legal protection
Limited Liability Company (SPRL/SARL)	Minimum 1 to 2 shareholders, liability limited to contributions, min. capital symbolic (≈ 1 USD)	Most common form for SMEs, flexibility and professional image
Public Limited Company (SA)	Minimum 3 shareholders, higher capital (≈ 100,000 USD), heavier governance	Suitable for large projects or significant fund raising
Limited Liability Cooperative Society	Collective governance, member‑oriented, widely used in agriculture	Interesting for projects with local producers, but more complex to manage
Branch	Simple extension of a foreign company, without separate legal personality	Useful for testing the market or operating under an existing brand
Subsidiary	Burundian company, possible 100% owned by a foreign parent	Gives access to tax agreements and full local integration

The new Companies Code has simplified procedures, reducing the number of steps from 11 to 2. The SPRL is generally the most suitable form for expatriate entrepreneurs: limited liability, low capital requirements, and management flexibility.

Share Capital: Accessible Thresholds

One of the advantages of the Burundian formal sector is the low minimum capital requirement for standard companies:

Type of Structure	Indicated Minimum Capital
SARL / SPRL (Private Limited Liability Company)	In practice ≈ 1 USD
SA (Public Limited Company / PLC)	≈ 100,000 USD
Branch of a Foreign Company	≈ 1 USD

This capital must be actually deposited in a local bank account at the time of creation, with a deposit certificate supporting the registration file.

Creation Procedures: From Easybusiness Portal to Registration

The Burundi Development Agency (ADB) – which succeeded the Investment Promotion Agency (API) – acts as a one‑stop shop for investors. The stated goal: to issue all the legal documents necessary to start within 24 hours.

The ADB/API One-Stop Shop

The one‑stop shop physically (and now partially online) brings together several key administrations:

– Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) for the Tax Identification Number (NIF);

– Registry of the Commercial Court for registration in the Trade Register;

– National Social Security Institute (INSS) for social affiliation;

– Labor Inspectorate;

– ADB/API itself, which coordinates and issues the document pack.

Concretely, an investor can obtain in a single procedure:

– the company bylaws (standardized model offered);

– the certificate of registration in the Trade Register;

– the NIF/TIN tax number;

– the INSS affiliation card;

– the fee payment slip.

Easybusiness Platform: Register Online

Burundi has set up a pre‑registration platform, easybusiness.bi, to simplify procedures. The typical process:

Example:

The typical example includes four steps: first, creating an account by clicking the “register” button, providing identity, email, and password. Second, validating the email address. Third, submitting detailed project information, including the type of person (individual or legal entity), company form, identity of shareholders, registered office address, and activity. Fourth, uploading the required supporting documents, such as copies of passports or ID cards, bylaws, lease or domiciliation contract, and photos.

Documents must be in French or translated and certified into French.

Documents Required for an Expatriate

For a foreign investor, the standard company creation file notably includes:

Attention:

To register a company, you must provide copies of passports and ID photos of shareholders and the manager, the bylaws, registration and NIF application forms, and proof of address of the registered office. For a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company, the parent company documents (bylaws, register extract, NIF, board resolution) must be legalized and apostilled if necessary.

Foreign documents benefit from the Apostille Convention (ratified in 2014), facilitating their recognition.

Creation Costs and Timelines

The company law reform and the establishment of the one‑stop shop have significantly reduced cost and time of creation.

Step	Indicative Cost	Indicative Timeline
Company registration (SPRL, SA, branch)	40,000 BIF ≈ 25 USD	Official target: 24 hours, practically 1 to 5 days
Sole proprietorship registration	30,000 BIF	Same
Opening a professional bank account	Initial deposit 5,000 to 20,000 BIF	≈ 5 days
Overall formalities before issuing invoices and hiring	—	Approximately 20 days according to some sources

Doing Business data mentions a timeline of 5 days and 3 procedures to start, while the ADB mentions a potential timeline under 24 hours for issuing the main documents.

Additional Formalities

After registration, several formalities are necessary before operating fully:

– publication of a notice of incorporation in a legal notices/local newspaper;

– registration with INSS (often integrated into the one‑stop shop);

– obtaining possible sectoral licenses (health, environment, trade, transport, mining, energy…);

– opening bank accounts (BIF and, if possible, foreign currency);

– for you and your foreign employees: long‑stay visa, work permit, and residence permit.

Business Taxation: What an Expatriate Really Needs to Understand

Entering the Burundian market without mastering the basics of local taxation is risky. The system is generally classic but has certain specificities that can influence your structuring.

Corporate Income Tax and Losses

Corporate income tax (CIT) is set at the standard rate of 30% on taxable profit, for SARLs, SAs, and branches. An important rule: if the company is loss-making or declares a profit lower than 1/30th of its turnover, a minimum tax of 1% of turnover applies.

Tax losses can be carried forward for 5 years, but beware: if the capital structure changes by more than 25%, this right may be lost.

Personal Income Tax

For expatriate managers who are tax residents (presence > 183 days), income tax is progressive:

– 0% up to 1,800,000 BIF/year;

– 20% from 1,800,001 to 3,600,000 BIF;

– 30% above that.

These thresholds are modest in absolute value; executives quickly fall into the highest bracket. Non‑residents without a permanent establishment are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on their Burundian‑source income.

VAT, Customs Duties, and Other Taxes

Burundi applies a standard VAT:

Type of Rate	Rate	Application
Standard rate	18%	Common goods and services
Reduced rate	10%	Food products and basic agricultural inputs, medicines, educational materials
Zero rate	0%	Exports, international transport

Certain activities are exempt (financial services, medical care, education, residential rents, insurance).

6

Number of member countries in the EAC Customs Union, implying common duties.

Type of Imported Products (outside EAC)	Customs Duty
Raw materials	0%
Semi‑finished products	10%
Finished products	25%

Additionally, a security levy of 1.15% on imports and a tax on public contracts of 3 to 4% (excluding VAT) apply.

Withholding Taxes: Dividends, Interest, Services

Withholding taxes play a central role in the system:

– Dividends: 15%, final withholding if the distributing company is up to date with its CIT;

– Interest: 15%, with some specifics for the banking sector;

– Royalties, management fees, service fees (including payments to non‑residents): 15%;

– Capital gains on real estate and securities: 15%.

The country has few double taxation agreements, but tax paid abroad may, within certain limits, be credited against tax due in Burundi.

Social Security Contributions and Labor Cost

The employer social cost is far from negligible. Employer contributions total approximately 13% of gross salary:

– 6% to the social security scheme (capped);

– 3% to health insurance;

– 1% to the National Employment Fund;

– 3% to work accident insurance (capped).

Employees contribute approximately 8%. These charges are added to the income tax withheld at source.

Good to Know:

For an expatriate employer, an attractive gross salary can quickly become costly once social charges are added. It is therefore essential to integrate these data into your cash flow plan and salary scales.

Tax Incentives and Free Zones

The Investment Code and the special economic zones / free zones policy open up interesting prospects for structured projects:

– companies established in free zones or foreign companies domiciling their headquarters there: 0% CIT for 10 years;

– after 10 years: CIT at 15%, or even 10% if more than 100 Burundians are permanently employed or if more than 25% of profits are reinvested;

– exemption from customs duties and VAT on certain equipment and inputs not available locally;

– specific exemptions for agriculture, livestock, artisanal fishing below certain turnover thresholds;

– CIT reductions of 2% for companies employing between 50 and 200 Burundians, and 5% beyond 200 employees.

Investments in agriculture and livestock also benefit from property tax exemptions, duties on specialized vehicles, and customs duties on inputs.

For an expatriate targeting a large‑scale project (export‑oriented agro‑industry, logistics hub, regional service platform), positioning in a special economic zone can drastically reduce the tax burden in the medium term.

Access to Financing: Banks, Microfinance, and Partnerships

The Burundian financial system is still shallow but evolving. It is dominated by a few commercial banks and a growing network of microfinance institutions.

Major Banks Present

Among the main players:

– Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB): central bank, monetary and banking supervision;

– Banque de Crédit de Bujumbura (BCB) – Bank of Africa Group: one of the largest banks, heavily involved in SME financing;

– Commercial Bank of Burundi (BANCOBU): one of the two major “mature” institutions, offering a wide range of accounts, loans, and savings products;

– Banque de Gestion et de Financement (BGF): strongly oriented towards investment financing for large companies and SMEs;

– BBCI, Interbank Burundi, Ecobank, CRDB Bank Burundi, Diamond Trust Bank, KCB Burundi, UBA Burundi: regional and pan‑African banks offering corporate services (sometimes multi‑currency accounts, trade finance, international transfers);

– International Commercial Bank Burundi (ICBB): opened in 2024, very digital‑focused, with an international desk in Dubai for investment banking and trade finance.

For an expatriate, these banks are the natural entry points for:

Banking Services for Professionals

Discover the essential financial services offered to support and secure your business activities.

Account Opening

Open a professional account in BIF and possibly foreign currency to manage your day‑to‑day operations.

Financing

Secure working capital or investment loans, often backed by solid guarantees, to develop your activity.

Trade Finance

Use trade finance services, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, for your international transactions.

Opening a Bank Account in Practice

Procedures are fairly standardized:

– identification documents (passport), residence permit if already obtained;

– company registration documents, bylaws, NIF;

– initial deposit between 5,000 and 20,000 BIF (modest);

– opening time: 3 to 5 business days on average.

Banks charge monthly account maintenance fees (2,000 to 4,000 BIF for a simple account), and foreign currency transactions can be costly (exchange fees, processing times, required documentation).

A Still Very Restricted Credit Market

Despite high profitability rates for the core of the financial system, several analyses point to major weaknesses:

– fragmented, shallow credit market;

– bias towards political “insiders” or well‑connected large companies;

– lack of long‑term resources;

– supervision and regulation still needing improvement.

MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) represent over 90% of businesses, but face a financing gap estimated at 491 million USD, about 16% of GDP. Banks often require significant guarantees (mortgages, pledges) that are difficult for young companies to provide.

This is where mechanisms like microfinance, guarantee funds, or support from international donors come in.

Recent Initiatives for SMEs

A very concrete example concerns BCB: in 2024, the IFC (World Bank Group) granted it:

25000000

A total financing of 25 million USD, including a 20 million loan for SMEs and a 5 million credit line for trade, was mobilized to support local economic development.

BCB has also developed specific products for women entrepreneurs, benefiting from IDA support (via the Private Sector Window).

This dynamic is beginning to shape a more favorable environment for well‑structured and well‑managed SMEs, including those created by expatriates who can present serious business plans and solid governance.

Complementary Solutions for Expatriates

Given the difficulties in transferring funds and the cost of foreign currency transactions, many expatriates combine:

– a local BIF account with a Burundian bank;

– a multi‑currency account with a neobank or a specialized institution (e.g., UHNW multi‑currency account, services like HSBC Expat, or fintech solutions like Starryblu, which allows managing multiple currencies and reducing transfer costs).

However, you must check the compliance of these solutions with local exchange control rules and capital declaration requirements.

Immigration, Work Permits, and Personal Settlement

Setting up a company is not enough: to work legally in Burundi, an expatriate must obtain a long‑stay visa, a work permit, and a residence permit.

Types of Visas and Entry into the Country

Main visa categories:

– tourist visa (30 days for some, e.g., US citizens, for 90 USD on arrival in Bujumbura, no work rights);

– short‑stay business visa (meetings, negotiations, no paid employment);

– long‑stay visas (over 3 months), often a prerequisite for a work permit;

– settlement and return visas for those already established.

Most expatriate entrepreneurs first enter with a business or long‑stay visa, then regularize their status with a Category A work permit (investor) or B (employee).

Work Permits: Categories and Conditions

Permits are issued by the Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Employment, in coordination with immigration services. Notable distinctions include:

Good to Know:

The Category A permit is for foreign investors creating or operating a business; its validity depends on maintaining the investment and activities. The Category B permit concerns foreign employees hired by a local company; it is tied to a specific employer and position, requiring a new application in case of change. Category C covers specific cases not detailed in the provided texts.

Standard conditions:

– valid passport (minimum 6 months);

– employment contract (or proof of investment and company registration);

– proven qualifications (degrees, experience);

– evidence demonstrating the unavailability of local labor for the position;

– medical certificate and recent criminal record extract from countries of residence.

Employers, for their part, must be in good standing (registration, NIF, payment of taxes and contributions) and justify the need to hire a foreigner.

Timelines, Costs, and Renewals

Processing times vary:

3 to 6

The processing time for a work permit is generally 3 to 6 weeks.

Fees are on the order of:

– 90 to 135 USD for visas (single or multiple entry);

– 200 to 500 USD in official fees for a work permit, plus costs for translation, legalization, medical exams, etc.

Permits must be renewed before their expiration, generally one month prior. Working with an expired permit exposes one to fines, even deportation.

Family, Dependents, and Alternatives

Spouses and children can obtain residence permits as dependents of the main permit holder, with limited employment rights (often a specific authorization is required for them).

Burundi does not currently offer a specific “digital nomad” visa: remote workers must comply with existing regimes (short‑term tourist or business stay, without working for the local market).

Business Culture: Relationships, Hierarchy, and “Ubuntu”

Many expatriate entrepreneurial failures stem not from a lack of technical skill, but from a misunderstanding of the local business culture.

The Importance of Ubuntu and Community Ties

Burundi is marked by the philosophy of ubuntu / ubumwe: solidarity, interdependence, cohesion. The long‑term relationship is prioritized over the one‑off transaction.

In business, this translates into: the need to adapt quickly to market changes and anticipate customer needs.

– a valuation of trust and reputation over price alone;

– a central importance of family, friendship, and community networks in finding clients, suppliers, employees;

– decisions influenced by social considerations, not just economic ones.

60

Studies show that over 60% of hires are made through recommendations and repeated contacts.

Indirect Communication and Respect for Hierarchy

Communication is often indirect:

– saying “no” directly is avoided;

– disagreements are expressed subtly;

– non‑verbal cues (silences, facial expressions, tone) matter a lot.

Society is hierarchical: age, rank, and seniority are respected. In meetings, the word of an elder or a leader is rarely contradicted publicly. It is very important for an expatriate entrepreneur to:

– address the most senior people first;

– use titles (Mr., Mrs., Doctor, Mzee, etc.);

– practice formal politeness, especially at the beginning.

Meetings, Greetings, and Time Management

Greetings follow specific codes:

Tip:

A warm handshake, sometimes supported by the left hand under the right wrist, is customary. It is often accompanied by a slight bow of the head as a sign of respect. It is essential to take time to exchange news about family and health before getting down to business.

Punctuality is appreciated but time management remains flexible: a meeting may start late and run long. Appearing rushed or trying to impose a “European” pace is frowned upon. Patience is a strategic skill.

Sensitive Topics and Behaviors to Avoid

Some topics must be handled with great caution:

– politics, recent conflict history, ethnic issues;

– strong opinions on governance or institutions.

The following gestures and attitudes are discouraged:

– raising one’s voice, expressing anger in public;

– pointing a finger at someone;

– flaunting wealth in modest settings.

Learning a few words of Kirundi, such as “Amahoro” (peace, greeting) or “Murakoze” (thank you), is a very rewarding relational investment.

Success Strategies for an Expatriate Entrepreneur

Based on this overview, several guidelines emerge to maximize your chances of success in Burundi.

Lean on Local Partners

In an environment where access to information, networks, and authorities relies heavily on relationships, partnering with, or at least working closely with, serious Burundian partners is crucial:

– local co‑founders;

– board members from the country;

– Burundian legal and tax firms;

– chambers of commerce, professional associations.

This facilitates:

– reading unwritten signals (administrative practices, customs and traditions);

– access to local talent;

– managing relations with the administration.

Choose a Realistic Sector and a Suitable Model

The potential is real, but not all sectors present the same barriers to entry or the same constraints in terms of licenses, capital, and political risks (e.g., mining or large energy projects).

For an expatriate with limited capital, the following niches are often more accessible:

Business Areas

Discover the main sectors of activity, combining B2B expertise, valorization of local resources, and digital innovation.

B2B Services

Consulting, IT, back‑office, and outsourcing for NGOs, institutions, and large companies.

Niche Agro‑processing

Specialty coffee, organic products, fruit derivatives, and essential oils.

Niche Tourism

Ecolodges, specialized tours, and targeted food service offerings.

Digital Services & Fintech

Developed in partnership with local players and banks engaged in digital transformation.

Anticipate Logistics, Energy, and Currency

Three operational points require careful preparation:

1. Imports: long lead times (possibly several months) due to formalities in transit countries (Kenya, Tanzania), port delays, currency limitations.
2. Electricity: unstable in many areas, forcing businesses to invest in expensive generators and alternative solutions (solar system, storage).
3. Currency: the shortage of foreign currency complicates payments to international suppliers; your financial plan must integrate these bottlenecks.

Building a cash buffer, diversifying suppliers, and considering safety stocks are essential practices.

Take Advantage of Support and Financing Mechanisms

The support ecosystem for entrepreneurs, though recent, is beginning to take shape:

Good to Know:

Entrepreneurs can benefit from several types of support: coaching structures like incubators and accelerators (Burundi Business Incubator, Orange Corners, SPARK initiatives, PAEEJ); financing opportunities through competitions, bootcamps, and innovation funds (Orange Corners Innovation Fund, USAID programs, EIF); and network and market information support through economic sections of Western embassies.

Some of these structures primarily target young Burundian entrepreneurs, but an expatriate can often participate as a mentor, technical partner, or investor, granting privileged access to networks.

Governance and Compliance: An Investment, Not a Luxury

In an environment where corruption and informal practices persist, resisting the temptation of the “shortcut” is a strategic choice:

– establishing strict internal procedures (KYC of partners, dual signature, external audit);

– training staff on ethics rules and anti‑corruption requirements (including FCPA for Americans, UK Bribery Act, etc.);

– documenting interactions with the administration.

In the medium term, this rigor protects the company from legal risks, but also from blackmail and dependence on a few influential individuals.

Conclusion: A Difficult Market, But Not Closed to Expatriates

Starting a business in Burundi as an expatriate is neither an eldorado nor an impossible mission. It is entering a “frontier market” where:

– opportunities are real, particularly in agro‑industry, services, digital technology, energy, and tourism;

– formal competition remains limited in many segments;

– the legal framework is increasingly open to foreign investors, without discrimination in principle, and with attractive incentive regimes for certain projects.

But it is also an environment where:

Good to Know:

Infrastructure and the financial system generate hidden costs (delays, uncertainty, energy surcharges, currency scarcity). Success requires strong local roots through partners, teams, and networks. Finally, understanding the local business culture—concepts like ubuntu, hierarchy, and indirect communication—is crucial to moving from a merely tolerated project to a fully integrated enterprise.

For a clear‑sighted, methodical expatriate capable of building lasting alliances, Burundi can become a strategic base, not only to serve its domestic market but also to expand into the Great Lakes region and the wider EAC area. The key is not to arrive with a “ready‑to‑wear” model, but to patiently build a business aligned with Burundian reality, both economic and social and cultural.