Economic Activities in Burundi: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Burundi, with a population of approximately 14 million (As of 2024, World Bank), is one of the most densely populated nations in East Africa. Located in the heart of Africa, it covers a total area of 27,830 square kilometers.

Burundi’s economic position reflects its ongoing development challenges. As of 2023, the country’s GDP stood at approximately $2.63 billion (current USD, World Bank), placing it among the world’s smallest economies. GDP per capita was approximately $154 as of 2024 (World Bank), one of the lowest globally.

Despite facing economic obstacles, Burundi continues to strive for growth and development in the global economic landscape.

What are the economic activities of Burundi?

• Primary activities: approximately 31.6% of GDP (As of 2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: approximately 17.4% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: approximately 51% of GDP.

Primary Sector of Burundi

Burundi’s primary sector, mainly agriculture, thrives due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. With a large share of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops like cassava, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Agriculture remains crucial for the economy, employing approximately 85% of the workforce and contributing around 31.6% to GDP (As of 2024, World Bank).

The top agricultural products include cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, maize, vegetables, and sugarcane, showcasing the sector’s diversity and importance.

With a diverse geological landscape, the primary sector thrives in Burundi with abundant natural resources such as nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, and more. These resources play a vital role in the economy, especially through mining, agriculture, and hydropower generation.

Secondary Sector of Burundi

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector comprises industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Burundi, main industrial products include light consumer goods like sugar, shoes, soap, and beer, as well as cement, assembly of imported components, public works construction, and food processing, particularly fruits.In 2023, Burundi’s manufacturing exports accounted for only 12.81% of its total exports, indicating a relatively minor contribution to the country’s overall trade revenue.

Tertiary sector of Burundi

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Burundi encompasses services that offer knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, transportation, and security services. These sectors contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.Of particular importance, Burundi’s tourism industry plays a relatively insignificant role in its economy. With a meager annual tourist arrival rate of 0.027 tourists per capita, the industry’s contribution to national revenue and employment remains marginal. This reflects the country’s limited tourist attractions and infrastructure, hindering its potential as a major travel destination.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, which boasts approximately 7.5 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing communication and access to digital services for the population.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Burundi

The military is a good example of many economic activities working together. In Burundi, the primary sector helps by providing resources needed for military use. The secondary sector focuses on making military equipment, while the tertiary sector includes services like training and support. The quaternary sector is important for military research and development, and the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy.

As of 2023, Burundi’s military expenditure was approximately 3.66% of GDP (World Bank). The country has an active military force of approximately 30,000 personnel (As of 2024, Burundi National Defence Force), with the National Defence Force comprising land, air, and marine branches.

International Trade of Burundi

Import Activities of Burundi

Burundi’s import activities are crucial, accounting for approximately 24.45% of its GDP in 2023, totaling approximately $1.18 billion, driving economic growth and development (World Bank WITS 2023).Burundi’s key import activities include refined petroleum, fertilizers, packaged medicine, cement, and plastic products. Its top import partners are China (15%), UAE (14%), Saudi Arabia (13%), Tanzania (12%), and India (7%).

Exports Activities of Burundi

In 2023, Burundi’s total exports amounted to approximately $217 million, accounting for approximately 5.29% of its GDP (World Bank WITS 2023). With such a low percentage, export activities hold relatively low importance for the country’s economy.Burundi primarily exports gold, coffee, tea, rare earth ores, and tobacco. Its key export partners are the UAE, DRC, China, Sudan, and Germany.

Burundi economy challenges in 2024

Burundi, a highly agrarian, low-income country in East Africa, faces challenges in 2024. Declining foreign aid, fiscal insolvencies, dense population growth, and COVID-19 impacts hinder economic recovery.

Sources

• World Bank: Burundi Country Data
• World Bank: Burundi Overview
• IMF: Burundi Country Profile
• World Bank WITS: Burundi Trade Summary 2023
• CIA World Factbook: Burundi

Last updated: June 20, 2026