Burundi Country Summary

FATF Status

Burundi is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

Burundi has not yet undertaken a Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.

Burundi faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, characterized by widespread corrupt practices among political elites and their allies in the private sector, which undermine efforts to combat these issues. Despite having legal frameworks in place, the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures is compromised by weak enforcement, legal immunities, and the influence of political connections, while the criminal justice system suffers from corruption and intimidation, further exacerbating the country's vulnerabilities to organized crime and human trafficking.

Burundi's economy is characterized by significant challenges, including extreme poverty, a high population density, and reliance on subsistence agriculture, with 90% of the population engaged in farming. Despite the potential in agriculture and mining, the country has seen a decline in export production and foreign investment due to restrictive government policies, inflation, and foreign exchange shortages, which have hindered economic growth and stability. While the government has made efforts to attract foreign direct investment through new regulations and infrastructure development, persistent issues such as corruption, inadequate governance, and a lack of skilled labor continue to deter potential investors, leaving Burundi in a precarious economic situation.