Business Opportunities Kenyans Pursue in Burundi

Burundi is one of the destinations for Kenyan entrepreneurs and skilled professionals seeking opportunities beyond Kenya's borders. 

As a member of the East African Community (EAC), Burundi offers relatively easier movement of labour and capital, while ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment have created opportunities across sectors ranging from hospitality and manufacturing to agriculture and logistics.

Here are some of the businesses pursued by Kenyans in Burundi 

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Hospitality

The hospitality sector remains one of the most accessible entry points for Kenyans in Burundi.

Many Kenyan chefs, particularly those specialising in nyama choma and other popular East African cuisines, have found employment in hotels and restaurants.

Some Kenyans have also set up their own Nyama Choma joints. Equally, Kenyan investors have also ventured into setting up hotels and restaurants, while others provide professional hotel management services.

The hospitality industry in Burundi is seen as one of the most lucrative sectors owing to the increased tourism activities along Lake Tanganyika and its national parks.

The EAC’s investment profile of Burundi identifies tourism and hospitality among sectors with significant investment potential, including development of hotels and resorts.

Manufacturing

In the manufacturing space, Kenyan entrepreneurs have established businesses such as Klinsept, which is involved in detergent production, including liquid soap manufacturing and the production of disinfectants.

The growing demand for locally manufactured household and industrial cleaning products has created room for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Burundi also identifies agro-processing, pharmaceutical production, construction materials, packaging products and other manufacturing activities as priority investment areas.

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Corporate services

As Burundi's private sector expands, there has been growing demand for professional business services.

Some Kenyans have established firms that provide outsourced human resource services to companies, NGOs and development organisations operating in the country. 

Others offer professional training, capacity-building programmes and management consultancy services aimed at improving workplace productivity and corporate governance.

The market also presents opportunities for firms specialising in business process improvement, staff recruitment and organisational development.

Real estate and construction

The construction sector has attracted several Kenyan firms that provide services ranging from project design and planning to actual construction.

Kenyan architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and construction companies are involved in various projects, including residential, commercial and infrastructure developments.

Burundi's growing urbanisation and infrastructure needs continue to create demand for construction expertise. The country specifically identifies roads, bridges, air transport infrastructure and other construction projects as areas requiring investment.

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Transport and logistics

Cross-border trade has created opportunities for Kenyan transport and logistics companies.

Some firms operate freight and shipping services linking Nairobi and other regional commercial hubs with Bujumbura. These businesses facilitate the movement of goods between Kenya, Burundi and neighbouring countries.

Setting Up a Business in Burundi

Burundi has undertaken significant reforms to make it easier for both local and foreign investors to establish businesses.

Business registration has been streamlined through the Burundi Development Agency (ADB), which operates a one-stop centre and an online registration platform. Registration procedures can be completed within a working day. 

Investors looking to establish a business in Burundi are typically required to reserve a company name, register the business, obtain an investment certificate where applicable, complete tax registration, secure a business licence, register with the social security system, apply for work permits for foreign employees, obtain environmental approvals where necessary, secure land acquisition approvals where applicable, and obtain construction permits for factory or large-scale development projects. 

Burundi offers several incentives aimed at attracting investment into priority sectors. Priority sector investors may qualify for corporate income tax exemptions of up to five years, while large investors can negotiate customised tax incentives under special agreements.

Investors in Burundi may benefit from a range of incentives, including exemptions from customs duties on imported equipment and raw materials, tax relief on certain construction materials and production inputs, exemptions from transfer taxes on land and building acquisitions, and reduced profit tax rates during the first five years of operation. 

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Employment opportunities for skilled workers 

Agriculture and Milling

Burundi's agricultural sector remains the country's largest employer and one of its most important economic pillars. Kenyan professionals with experience in maize and wheat milling are increasingly sought after by companies operating in the sector. Some Burundian firms have recruited Kenyan specialists because of Kenya's relatively advanced milling industry and the technical expertise available in the country.

Horticulture 

The horticulture sector also presents employment opportunities. Kenyans with experience in flower farming and export-oriented horticulture have been recruited to support Burundi's growing flower industry. Their expertise in production, quality control and export processes is particularly valued in enterprises targeting international markets.

Horticulture is among the sectors highlighted as having strong investment potential within Burundi's agricultural value chains.

Work permit requirements to work in Burundi 

Although Kenyan citizens benefit from EAC provisions that facilitate movement and employment within member states, they must still obtain the necessary work authorisation before taking up employment in Burundi.

Applicants are generally required to submit a valid passport, two recent passport-sized photographs, an employment contract or job offer from a Burundian employer, a formal application letter addressed to the General Inspector of Labour and Social Security, an updated CV, academic and professional qualification certificates, medical and police clearance certificates where applicable, and professional licences for regulated professions such as medicine.

Work permits are usually issued for one to two years and may be renewed subject to compliance with immigration and labour regulations. Investors and employers must also justify the hiring of foreign workers.