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Public Procurement in Burundi

Public Procurement in Burundi represents a key channel through which the government executes public expenditure, delivers essential services, and implements development programs financed through the national budget and external partners. Public procurement activities span goods, works, and services across core sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and public administration.

For domestic enterprises, government procurement offers one of the most structured entry points into formal contracting with the state. For international suppliers and consultants, government tenders in Burundi provide opportunities primarily linked to donor-supported projects implemented through national institutions.

A clear understanding of Burundi’s procurement institutions, legal framework, procedures, and market characteristics is essential for bidders seeking compliant and effective participation.

Country & Economic Overview

Fiscal constraints and development financing strongly influence procurement planning and execution, with public procurement closely linked to public financial management and externally financed programs.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

Public procurement governance in Burundi is overseen by a dedicated regulatory authority, while procurement execution is decentralized across public institutions.

Each contracting authority is responsible for procurement planning, tendering, evaluation, and contract management in accordance with national regulations.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement law in Burundi is established through national legislation and implementing decrees administered by ARMP.

• The legal framework applies to goods, works, and services financed with public funds
• Competition and transparency are fundamental principles
• Procurement methods are selected based on value and complexity
• Donor-funded projects may apply partner-specific procurement rules where agreed

The regulatory framework provides the basis for oversight, complaint resolution, and audit processes.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures vary depending on contract characteristics and financing arrangements.

• Procurement notices are formally published
• Bid validity requirements are specified in tender documents
• Administrative complaints may be submitted to ARMP
• Contract awards are subject to disclosure obligations

E-Procurement System Overview

The eProcurement system in Burundi currently supports transparency primarily through electronic publication of procurement information.

Bid submission and evaluation processes remain largely non-electronic.

Procurement Market Characteristics

The public procurement market in Burundi is characterised by modest contract volumes and a strong focus on essential public services.

• Goods: Equipment, supplies, and materials
• Works: Infrastructure and public construction
• Services: Consulting and technical services

Recorded contract awards include goods, works, and services, with domestic firms playing a central role in nationally financed procurement.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

Oversight mechanisms are embedded within the procurement system.

• ARMP handles procurement-related complaints
• Complaints may be accepted or rejected following review
• Procurement procedures may be cancelled where irregularities are identified
• Annual procurement reports are published by the regulator

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Sustainability considerations in procurement are primarily addressed through project-specific requirements and donor-financed operations.

• Environmental safeguards may be included in technical specifications
• Sector policies influence procurement design where applicable

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

Social and ethical aspects of procurement are governed mainly through general public policy and labour regulations.

• Equal access principles apply to eligible suppliers
• Labour standards are regulated through national employment law
• Ethical sourcing provisions are not systematically embedded in procurement procedures

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

Key challenges in Public Procurement in Burundi include limited digitalisation, administrative capacity constraints, and reliance on donor-funded procurement for larger contracts.

Practical bidding insights

1. Monitor ARMP publications and official procurement notices regularly
2. Ensure strict compliance with tender documentation requirements
3. Account for administrative timelines in bid planning
4. For international firms, align with donor procurement rules where applicable

Public Procurement in Burundi remains a structured but capacity-constrained market. Well-prepared bidders with strong compliance and documentation practices are best positioned to succeed.