Burundi, with around 13–14 million people (2023), is a small, landlocked country in East-Central Africa. Its economy is heavily dependent on agricultural exports (coffee, gold, tea) and energy imports like petroleum and fertilizers . Though infrastructure remains limited, import volume is robust—total goods imports reached approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2022, driven by fuel, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and building materials.

Distribution & Retail Dynamics

• Port of Bujumbura on Lake Tanganyika handles ~80% of import volume, with goods arriving via lake and truck, then routed across Burundi and trade corridors into Rwanda, DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia .
• Traditional markets dominate: Cities like Bujumbura feature open-air markets—Central, Kamenge, Musaga, Kinama, and others—where thousands of stallholders trade mainly FMCG and agricultural products .
• Modern supermarkets exist but are niche: Around 47 supermarkets operate (2024), largely in Bujumbura and a few regional towns .

Channel Strategy & Entry Essentials

1. Leverage traditional distribution networks
   Local wholesale partners break bulk for micro-retailers; frequent delivery (daily/weekly) mitigates stock-outs in small stalls
2. Use Bujumbura as your logistics base
3. With the port, warehousing, and main markets centralized in the capital, it’s the ideal hub to expand nationally and regionally.
4. Partner selectively with modern retailers
   Supermarkets are still evolving—collaboration provides market visibility, especially for processed and packaged goods.
5. Plan for long lead times & infrastructure delays
   Landlocked status and poor roads can push import-to-shelf timelines to 60 days
6. Explore e-commerce & delivery
   Online grocery delivery is emerging—revenues expected near USD 9M in 2024, growing by 29% annually

How Effective Channel Selection Delivers Results

• Micro-retail reach: Stallholders and kiosks dominate retail; engaging them ensures wide-ranging reach.
• Modern-retail presence: Ideal for brand-building and mid-to-upper-income consumers despite lower overall share.
• Cross-border flow: Burundi can serve as a platform to access Rwanda, DRC, and Tanzania markets via Bujumbura.

How SCA‑Partner Can Support You in Burundi

• Market research & import‑demand analysis
• Export/import compliance and tariff navigation
• Logistics strategy via Bujumbura port and corridor planning
• Distributor & wholesaler identification and vetting
• Modern retail chain and stall‑network partner sourcing
• E‑commerce channel setup and last‑mile logistics
• Trademark registration and regulatory support

Why Local Expertise Matters

Burundi’s fragmented retail landscape, reliance on traditional markets, nascent modern channels, and landlocked logistics necessitate deep local understanding. SCA‑Partner—headquartered in Nairobi with a footprint across 54 African countries—brings the on-the-ground knowledge and connections you need.

That’s where we come in.

👉 Visit us at: www.scapartner.com