Burundi and Vietnamese authorities have taken significant steps to deepen their collaboration in information and communication technology (ICT) during a high-level meeting hosted by Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communications (MIC), Nguyen Manh Hung. Burundi’s Minister of Communication, Information Technology, and Media, Léocadie Ndacayisaba, led the visiting delegation, underscoring the importance of shared development goals and mutual cooperation.
The meeting, held during Vietnam International Digital Week in Ha Long between November 19–22, served as a platform for both nations to discuss strategies for leveraging digital technology to drive socio-economic progress. Minister Hung highlighted Vietnam’s transformative journey from a low-income to a middle-income country, noting its relevance to Burundi’s aspirations.
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“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,” Minister Hung remarked, emphasising the role of ICT in bridging socio-economic divides.Vietnam-Burundi talks on Lumitel
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A focal point of the discussions was Lumitel, a Vietnamese telecom company that has become a cornerstone of Burundi’s telecommunications industry. Since its inception, Lumitel has contributed over $500 million in taxes to Burundi and secured a dominant market share.
Minister Hung described Lumitel as a “joint offspring” of the two nations, symbolising their collaboration and mutual understanding. He encouraged Vietnamese enterprises, beyond telecommunications, to explore investment opportunities in Burundi, leveraging the strong foundation established by Lumitel.
Minister Ndacayisaba lauded Lumitel’s contributions to improving the telecommunications sector in Burundi and invited the company to expand its operations further. She assured the visiting Vietnamese delegation of Burundi’s commitment to creating favourable conditions for foreign investments.
Fostering digital transformation through knowledge-sharing
During the meeting, both nations agreed on the need for increased exchange programs in ICT, focusing on digital transformation, the digital economy, and workforce training. Vietnam’s MIC announced scholarships valued at up to $10,000 each for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in telecommunications, digital economy, and digital transformation. These programs aim to support Burundi in developing a skilled digital workforce.
Minister Hung also proposed tailored short-term online training programs to address Burundi’s specific needs, further cementing Vietnam’s commitment to knowledge-sharing.
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Strengthening digital ties through mutual understanding
Both ministers acknowledged the shared history of overcoming adversity, including war, sanctions, and poverty, as a foundation for deepened cooperation. Minister Hung urged Vietnamese enterprises to invest responsibly in Burundi, emphasising the importance of adhering to local laws and fulfilling tax obligations.
Burundi’s representatives thanked Vietnam’s MIC for its support in developing legislative and regulatory frameworks in telecommunications. They hailed Vietnam International Digital Week as an invaluable opportunity for fostering global digital partnerships.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to expand service coverage, drive digital workforce development, and address pressing challenges in both nations through innovative ICT solutions. The strengthened Vietnam-Burundi partnership sets the stage for greater collaboration, with digital technology as a key driver of sustainable development.