Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications and Burundi’s Ministry of Communication sign an MOU to foster tech and telecom development. Photo: Le Anh Dung
The event was hosted by Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, with Burundi’s Minister Léocadie Ndacayisaba leading the visiting delegation. Also present were leaders from Vietnam’s MIC, the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, and other key departments.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that Vietnam and Burundi share a symbolic “joint offspring” in Vietnamese businesses operating in the African nation, notably Lumitel, a telecom provider. Since its establishment, Lumitel has paid over $500 million in taxes to Burundi, securing a dominant market share while improving local telecommunications services.
Acknowledging shared experiences of war, sanctions, and poverty, Minister Hung stated that Vietnam deeply understands Burundi’s challenges. He encouraged Vietnamese enterprises, particularly beyond telecommunications, to invest in Burundi, leveraging the nations' mutual understanding and aspirations for development.
During the meeting, the Minister proposed increased exchange visits in information and communication technology (ICT) sectors, focusing on emerging areas like digital transformation, digital economy, and workforce training. He highlighted Vietnam’s well-developed telecom infrastructure and its readiness to share expertise with Burundi.
Minister Léocadie Ndacayisaba praised Lumitel for its significant contributions to Burundi’s telecom industry, highlighting its role as a leader in market share and a provider of essential services. She invited Lumitel to further expand its operations, pledging support from relevant authorities to ensure favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses.
Burundi’s representatives also expressed gratitude to Vietnam’s MIC for sharing its legislative and regulatory expertise in telecommunications. They lauded Vietnam International Digital Week as an invaluable platform for exchanging experiences and fostering global digital partnerships.
Minister Hung emphasized that Vietnam, once a low-income nation, has transitioned to middle-income status, providing lessons that could benefit Burundi. He stated:
“The challenges faced by low-income nations, from rural-urban wealth gaps to limited public services and digital taxation, can largely be addressed through digital technology.”
To support Burundi in digital workforce development, Vietnam’s MIC announced scholarship programs valued at up to $10,000 each for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in telecommunications, digital economy, and digital transformation. Additionally, short-term online training tailored to Burundi’s needs will be made available.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to guiding Lumitel in expanding its service coverage and addressing Burundi’s pressing challenges. He also stressed that Vietnamese enterprises operating abroad must uphold the law and fulfill tax obligations in their host countries.
