Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Burundi as an expat isn’t just about changing countries, climates, or living standards. Above all, it means entering a world where community comes before the individual, where people avoid saying “no” outright, and where no meeting ever starts without first taking the time to talk about family, health, and peace. Understanding these codes is essential to avoid misunderstandings, integrate long‑term, and – for those coming to work – succeed in their professional projects.
Beyond the clichés, Burundi is a structured, conservative society, but also warm and open. Successful integration for expats comes from adapting their communication, time management, and how they build relationships.
Key Values: Community, Respect, and the Search for Harmony
To understand daily life in Burundi, you first need to grasp the underlying logic that organizes society. Two local concepts come up again and again: ubuntu and ubumwe. The first emphasizes interdependence among human beings, the second unity and solidarity. Taken together, they sum up a culture where relationships matter more than written rules, and where hurting someone is often considered worse than being “right.”
Respect for elders – seen as the guardians of wisdom – is fundamental in all areas of life. They are systematically consulted for important decisions. Opposing, interrupting, or contradicting an elder in public is very poorly regarded.
The constant goal is to maintain social peace, to avoid offense and direct confrontation. This has concrete consequences for how people speak, negotiate, manage conflicts, and organize work. Important decisions are often made at the top of the hierarchy, sometimes after long informal discussions, and consensus‑building takes precedence over immediate efficiency.
In Rwanda, the traditional family cell extends beyond the nuclear core and gathers in an urugo, a rural compound where several generations coexist, sometimes including cattle enclosures and granaries. Even in urban areas, where the nuclear model often prevails out of necessity, ties with the extended family remain very strong. These relationships mobilize significant resources (time, money, energy) and deeply influence professional decisions, illustrating the central importance of family and community in Rwandan society.
Communication: The Art of Indirection and Nuance
The first surprise for many expats is the way people communicate. In Burundi, saying things bluntly is rarely appreciated. Simply saying “no” can feel harsh. Instead, people prefer vaguer phrases, evasive answers, half‑silences that may seem elusive to a Western eye.
In a French professional context, refusal is often expressed indirectly through phrases like “that will be difficult” or “we’ll see.” Silences are common and valued as moments of reflection. Proverbs are frequently used to convey a message – a criticism or a principle – in an implicit way without direct confrontation. It is up to the listener to interpret the meaning. For example, a recruiter might quote “one hand cannot tie a bundle” to emphasize the priority given to teamwork over individual performance.
This indirect style stems from the priority placed on group harmony. Avoiding causing someone to lose face, especially if they are older or higher in the hierarchy, is essential. Speech is always accompanied by nonverbal signals – tone of voice, eye contact, smiles, body posture – that can completely change the meaning of a polite sentence.
For an expat, this means learning to “read between the lines.” A “maybe” is not necessarily a commitment, a silence can indicate disagreement, and a friendly remark can hide a refusal. Conversely, adopting too‑direct communication in return can be seen as aggressive, even when the intention is pragmatic.
Languages: Kirundi, French, Swahili… and a Little English
Burundi’s linguistic landscape is both simple and complex. Simple because Kirundi is spoken by about 98% of the population, across all communities, making it a powerful national bond. Complex because it coexists with several other languages that serve very distinct functions.
Here’s a summary:
| Language | Main Role in Daily Life | Usage Rate / Key Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Kirundi | National language, everyday life, family, markets, basic administration | Spoken by ~98% of the population |
| French | Language of institutions, administration, business, secondary & higher education | Fluently spoken by a minority (approx. 3–10%) |
| Swahili | Language of trade and regional exchange, especially in cities and commercial districts | Very prevalent in markets and transport |
| English | Recent official language, used in some business circles and by a fraction of urban youth | Estimated less than 2% of speakers |
For most skilled jobs, a good command of French is essential. Speaking only English severely limits opportunities, unless you work in a UN or very international environment. Conversely, making the effort to learn a few basic phrases in Kirundi often transforms the quality of a relationship. Simply saying “Amahoro” as a greeting, answering “Ni meza” or “N’amahoro” to “Amakuru?”, or ending an interaction with “Murakoze” is greatly appreciated.
Swahili is an important language in merchant circles and some urban neighborhoods in East Africa. For an expat working in trade or regional logistics, knowing at least a little is a real asset. Common greetings like “Salama!” or “Mzima?” are frequently used.
Finally, English, even as an official language, remains largely minority‑spoken, especially outside large organizations, universities, and certain business circles. Assuming you can “get by in English everywhere” is a common mistake.
Greetings, Introductions, and Showing Respect
In Burundi, greetings are not just a quick “hello.” They are a full social ritual, whether you’re passing a neighbor, entering a shop, visiting an office, or joining a meeting.
The handshake with the right hand is the basic gesture. To show special respect, you can support your right forearm with your left hand or use both hands. A slight bow of the head or upper body, especially toward an elder, reinforces the sign of humility. In traditional settings, men wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
In a group, greet the oldest or highest‑ranked person first. Failing to do so can be seen as impolite. With close friends and family, the handshake often turns into an embrace, cheek‑to‑cheek kisses, forehead‑to‑forehead, or hands clasped together throughout the conversation. This physical closeness between people of the same gender, especially men, does not carry the same connotation as in the West; it expresses friendship, not intimacy.
“Amahoro” – peace – is a common greeting. “Amakuru?” invites you to give news, and you reply “Ni meza” to say everything is fine. At the end of an encounter, “Nagasaga” essentially means “stay alive,” a way of saying “see you soon” while wishing for the other’s preservation.
Common Kirundi phrases
Respect is also shown through titles. People readily use “Monsieur”, “Madame”, or terms like “Mzee” (elder, notable) or “Mama” for respected women. Unless your interlocutor invites you to use first names, it is wise to keep this formal register, especially with a superior or administrative official.
Nonverbal Communication: Eye Contact, Distance, Gestures
Burundian nonverbal codes differ noticeably from those in many Western cultures. Eye contact is a striking example. Traditionally, staring someone in the eye, particularly an elder or superior, is seen as insolence. Lowering your gaze slightly conveys deference. In modern professional settings, a compromise has emerged: moderate eye contact without intensity is considered respectful. However, prolonged staring can be seen as aggressive or inappropriate.
Interpersonal distance is generally smaller than in Northern Europe or North America, a sign of interest in the exchange. Conversely, gestures like crossing your arms, leaning back, or avoiding eye contact can be perceived as obvious disinterest.
Gestures have their own codes. Pointing at someone with your finger is considered rude. Instead, indicate direction with your whole hand, palm open. The right hand carries strong symbolic weight: use it to shake hands, give or receive objects, and eat when eating with your fingers. Except for using the left hand to support the right arm during a greeting, presenting or receiving something only with the left hand is seen as crude.
Family Life: Structure, Roles, and Rituals
For an expat, the Burundian family can seem both very traditional and very supportive. The dominant model remains a patriarchal structure, where the father or eldest male is officially the head of the family, responsible for major economic decisions, authority, and representing the household externally. Historically, women handle domestic chores, child‑rearing, care for the elderly or sick, and, in rural areas, a large share of farm work.
This pattern is evolving among young urban couples or those affected by population displacement: a greater division of tasks is emerging, with more women pursuing higher education, salaried jobs, and public life. But in many environments, traditional expectations remain strong, sometimes reinforced by religious and customary discourse.
In Burundian society, children are highly valued, symbolizing both joy and a form of security for old age. A local saying illustrates this: you cannot love a person without loving their children. Education is seen as a collective responsibility, actively involving the extended family (uncles, aunts, grandparents) and even neighbors, who spontaneously correct and advise. It is also common for relatives to temporarily take in a child in difficulty, without formal procedures.
The major stages of life are marked by highly codified rituals. Birth gives rise to a naming ceremony, the Izina, usually around the sixth day, where the paternal grandfather gives the child a name in front of relatives. The mother then stays in strict rest for several weeks, cared for by other women of the clan, temporarily separated from the marital bed.
Marriage unites far more than two individuals: it connects two families, sometimes two lineages, and is prepared over weeks. The dowry – once mainly in livestock, now also in money, clothing, or household items – remains a central practice, symbolizing both the future husband’s ability to provide for his home and recognition of the bride’s family. Festivities often last several days, mixing songs, dances, communal meals, and religious ceremonies.
Death is surrounded by several mourning phases. The immediate family suspends productive activities, withdraws, and receives condolences during a time when ordinary tasks (like sweeping or going out) may be voluntarily set aside. A “return to water” ritual marks the gradual resumption of life, while a large ceremony lifting the mourning, usually after one year, allows succession issues to be settled and responsibilities within the kinship group to be redefined.
For an expat, being invited to one of these events – marriage, birth, lifting of mourning – is a huge honor. Attending involves respecting the dress code (modest attire covering shoulders and knees), bringing a useful gift (sugar, rice, tea, oil, cash envelope), and above all, carefully observing and imitating the gestures of other guests.
Religion, Traditions, and Public Life
Religion deeply structures social life in Burundi. The majority Christianity, dominated by Catholicism but also well represented by Protestant churches, coexists with an active Muslim minority and traditional practices more or less integrated into imported religions. Places of worship – churches, mosques – are hubs of sociability as much as prayer.
Although the state is officially secular, religious references mark public discourse and influence policies, especially on family and sexual matters. Moreover, many schools and hospitals run by religious institutions under contract with the state include moral or catechetical teaching in their curricula.
Religious pluralism exists but within an increasingly regulated legal framework: groups must register with the Ministry of the Interior, submit regular reports, and are subject to criteria on leader training and the establishment of places of worship. In this landscape, the room for expression of currents perceived as non‑religious or critical of religion (e.g., open atheism) is limited.
For an expat, it is essential to adjust your schedule to the host country’s religious high points, such as Christian Sundays, major holidays, or Muslim prayer times in certain neighborhoods. For example, avoid scheduling an important professional meeting on a Sunday morning in a highly observant area unless absolutely necessary. Also, when visiting places of worship, wear modest clothing (covered shoulders, long pants or skirt) and adopt a discreet attitude.
Dress Codes: Sobriety and Modesty
Clothing is one of the first points of difference for newcomers. In rural areas, and also in many working‑class urban neighborhoods, the norm remains modesty: clothing that at least covers the shoulders and knees, loose‑fitting rather than tight, for both men and women. Short shorts, low‑cut tank tops, and very short skirts attract attention and can cause discomfort, remarks, or misunderstanding.
Despite visible Western fashion among youth in some cosmopolitan neighborhoods, sobriety remains the norm in professional or institutional settings. For an interview, administrative meeting, or first business encounter, men should opt for a suit or pants‑and‑shirt combination; women a modest dress or suit, with closed‑toe shoes and sober colors.
Here are some practical guidelines:
| Context | Recommended Attire |
|---|---|
| Office / administration | Classic professional outfit, rather formal |
| Business meeting | Light suit or equivalent, sober colors |
| Village visit | Loose, long clothing; avoid shorts and tank tops |
| Place of worship | Covered shoulders, long pants or skirt, proper shoes |
| Casual outing in Bujumbura | Clean casual (jeans, polo, shirt); avoid overly revealing clothes |
This attention to modesty applies even more in places of worship and traditional ceremonies. Showing up in shorts at a church or mosque, even in full sun, is considered disrespectful.
Time, Punctuality, and Daily Rhythm
The relationship with time is among the strongest cultural differences for expats. On one hand, punctuality is objectively valued as a sign of seriousness, especially in official or professional contexts. On the other, daily reality is more flexible: arriving 15 or 20 minutes late to a meeting does not necessarily carry the same weight as in Switzerland or Germany.
Appointments may start late, run past the scheduled time, or be interrupted by unexpected visits. It is often frowned upon to end a conversation for time‑related reasons, because human relationships take priority. This approach, though sometimes disorienting, is consistent with a community‑oriented logic where time is elastic.
People often informally refer to “African time” to describe this gap. The danger for an expat is to slip into laxness under the guise of adaptation. The balancing act is to arrive on time, demonstrate seriousness and respect for the other person’s time, while also accepting that a delay from your interlocutor is not necessarily a personal affront, and that negotiating with the clock is part of daily life.
Standard office hours include a respected lunch break. Public transport like minibuses have no fixed schedules and usually depart once full. Weekends are mainly devoted to family, religion, and social relationships rather than individual leisure.
The Workplace: Hierarchy, Relationships, and Cultural Fit
In the professional environment, Burundian culture extends family logic: strong hierarchy, valuing age and experience, importance of personal relationships. Decisions are made at the top of the pyramid, and it is frowned upon to bypass your direct superior to speak, for example, to the general manager. A respected manager is both firm on objectives and attentive to the well‑being of their teams, in a spirit of benevolent paternalism.
For an expat manager, it is essential to strike a balance between clear instructions and a protective attitude. A too‑horizontal management style, ignoring local expectations of deference and hierarchical distance, can unsettle teams. Conversely, purely authoritarian authority, without listening or consideration, risks undermining trust in the long run.
The importance of cultural fit in hiring is clear from several recent studies. A survey by a regional business council highlighted that for 73% of Burundian employers, the candidate’s cultural fit mattered more than technical skills during initial interviews. A study from the University of Burundi indicated that 68% of hires were made through co‑optation or after repeated contacts, confirming that trust and reputation often precede the CV. Another survey by the investment authority reported that 68% of recruiters favored candidates showing a willingness to put down local roots, even with a slight deficit in technical skills.
For an expat job‑seeker, it is crucial to understand and respect local codes and sensitivities. Beyond the diploma, the difference comes from investing in society: learning the local language (like Kirundi), getting involved in community projects, and building a network. During interviews, avoid aggressive self‑promotion and speeches focused only on your individual performance. Instead, highlight team successes, stay humble yet confident, and refrain from any disparaging comparisons with your home country.
Meetings, Negotiations, and Decision‑Making
Professional meetings in Burundi are rarely just technical sessions. They begin with a moment of conviviality: greetings, news about family, health, mentions of peace in the country. Rushing into the agenda can make you seem cold or even rude. The time spent on this preamble is an investment in the relationship, not a waste of time.
Important negotiations – whether commercial, partnership‑based, or for recruitment – are a process that unfolds over time. It is rare to close a major deal at the first contact. Decision‑makers first want to assess their counterpart: their reliability, respect for unwritten rules, and patience. Pressuring behaviors, such as ultimatums or veiled threats to speed up a signature, are usually counter‑productive.
Major decisions go up the hierarchy and may require several internal consultations. It is common for a direct contact not to have the ultimate power to decide. Interpreting this delay as a lack of interest would be a mistake. It is better to support the process with polite, spaced‑out follow‑ups and, if possible, rely on a trusted local intermediary who knows how information and power actually flow within the organization.
After the meeting, a polite follow‑up 24 to 48 hours later – a thank‑you message, a summary of points discussed, proposals for next steps – is appreciated, as long as it remains measured. Repetitive insistence can be frowned upon.
Sociability, Hospitality, and Handling Invitations
Burundian social life places great importance on invitations, sharing food and drink. Flatly refusing a cup of coffee, a glass of juice, or a bit of food at a host’s home can feel like rejection. It is far more acceptable to accept symbolically – taste a little – and then calmly explain if you are full or constrained by a special diet.
Hospitality, locally called gusubiza, is very important: the guest receives honor treatment with the best seats and generous portions. In return, it is appreciated to return the invitation later or offer a small gift such as fruit, tea, sugar, or an item typical of your country. Avoid overly luxurious gifts, which could be misinterpreted.
In the professional world, accepting to go for a coffee, share a lunch, or take part in a group celebration (company party, colleague’s birth, wedding) is a decisive lever for strengthening bonds. Many implicit decisions, clarifications, or disagreements are more easily expressed in these informal settings than in the meeting room.
Sensitive Topics, Behaviors to Avoid, and Cultural Safety Issues
To preserve harmony, certain subjects are largely avoided in public conversation: the history of conflicts between groups, the issue of ethnic belonging, direct criticism of the government, sexuality – especially anything related to non‑heterosexual orientations. This silence does not mean these realities are absent; it means they are handled with extreme caution.
For an expat, it is advisable never to bring up sensitive political or social topics on your own with new acquaintances in Burundi. If the conversation goes there, it is acceptable to politely decline to discuss it by saying you do not know enough about the subject or would prefer to talk about something else. This caution is shared by many Burundians themselves, who are wary of these potentially explosive subjects.
Public displays of affection are more tolerated between parents and children than between adults, especially outside large cities. Long kisses with your partner in the middle of the street risk drawing disapproving looks. The situation is particularly delicate for LGBT+ individuals: homosexual acts are criminalized, and social acceptance is very low. Great discretion is therefore imperative for affected expats.
The same caution applies to photography. Taking pictures of people, houses, or sensitive infrastructure without permission can provoke mistrust or anger. Asking permission, respecting refusals, avoiding official, military, or strategic sites – these are essential reflexes.
Daily Life, Leisure, and the Expat Community
In practice, daily life in Burundi involves a change of pace and consumption patterns. Many families, including urban ones, do not have continuous access to electricity or running water. Outside the capital and a few centers, digital infrastructure remains limited: mobile coverage is mostly concentrated in the west, and internet cafes are found only in Bujumbura. Radio remains the main source of information for a large part of the population.
The capital offers a rich international social life (bars, clubs, water sports), but walking at night is not recommended for security reasons; prefer a car with a driver.
The expat network, fueled by the presence of NGOs, international organizations, and a few businesses, remains modest in size but fairly close‑knit. Platforms like InterNations regularly organize events and facilitate meetings. The risk, as in many countries, is staying trapped in an “expat bubble.” Those who integrate best go beyond this circle, forge local friendships, learn the language, and take part in shared activities – whether community projects, sports clubs, or church choirs.
How to Prepare Your Cultural Adaptation
The success of an expatriation project to Burundi is largely determined before departure. Learning about the country, its history, economic situation, religious and political sensitivities is a necessary foundation. Arranging health coverage, budgeting for a mainly cash‑based economy, planning for children’s schooling if needed, and securing housing with appropriate safety measures are essential steps.
To ease integration, it is advisable to learn or improve your French, then acquire basic Kirundi (greetings, politeness, numbers). Also, expect less direct communication, a more pronounced hierarchy, and longer decision times, so you can adjust your expectations and limit culture shock.
Over time, it is useful to build a support network that goes beyond fellow expats: trusted local colleagues, neighbors, members of associations, religious or sports communities. These are often the ones who will help you decode an ambiguous phrase, an awkward silence, an implicit invitation, or a polite refusal.
Expatriation to Burundi overturns individual Western reference points. It demands humility in the face of material poverty that contrasts with great relational wealth. Local culture places particular importance on dignity, the spoken word, and the social fabric. For those who accept to learn, listen, and build lasting ties, the country reveals a profound hospitality, deserving its nickname “land of upright men.”
Knowing the cultural differences before leaving is not just about checking an administrative box. It is about giving yourself a chance to connect – not as a tolerated foreigner, but as a respectful guest, capable of making room for other ways of being together.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
