Onatel Secures $5.9 Million Contract to Expand 4G in Rural Burundi
Burundi's state-owned telecommunications company, Onatel, has signed a $5.9 million contract with PAFEN Burundi to deploy 4G internet services in underserved rural communities. The 18-month contract, overseen by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, aims to provide 4G connectivity to 92 rural communities currently lacking mobile service. This initiative is expected to benefit over 372,000 residents, as well as local schools and health facilities. PAFEN, established by the Burundi government in 2024 with $92 million in World Bank financing, is tasked with bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to digital services. This contract follows a similar $10 million agreement with Lumitel Burundi, part of a broader strategy to connect 178 rural communities. 
