Burundi Struggles With Deep Poverty And Political Instability While Pursuing A Path Toward Recovery And Growth

Published on July 20, 2025

Burundi, long burdened by extreme poverty, political instability, and the lingering scars of civil war, is now cautiously stepping toward recovery with renewed hope. Despite being one of the poorest nations on earth—lacking natural resources, modern infrastructure, and access to global trade—the country is showing signs of resilience through peace-building efforts, improved governance, and support from international aid agencies. With over 80% of its population living below the poverty line and malnutrition rates among the highest globally, Burundi faces enormous challenges. Yet, ongoing agricultural reforms, educational initiatives, and a more stable political environment are gradually laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Burundi: East Africa’s Poorest Nation Struggles Amid Hope for a Brighter Future

Tucked away in the heart of East Africa and bordered by Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies one of the smallest and least talked-about countries in the world—Burundi. Despite its scenic beauty and strategic location near Lake Tanganyika, Burundi is currently ranked as the poorest country globally by GDP per capita, quietly grappling with overwhelming economic challenges and long-standing political struggles.

According to the World Population Review, Burundi’s GDP per capita in 2023 was just $200, or approximately £149. In stark contrast, the United States reported a GDP per capita of over $81,000, and the United Kingdom stood at nearly $49,000. These figures illustrate the extreme income disparity and underline the economic burden carried by the people of this tiny landlocked nation, which is smaller than the US state of Maryland.

Despite being blessed with lush, rolling green hills and a beautiful stretch of shoreline along Lake Tanganyika, Burundi faces significant developmental barriers. With a population exceeding 12 million, over 80% of its citizens live below the poverty line, surviving on less than £1.60 per day. Most households rely on subsistence farming, growing just enough to feed themselves, with little or no surplus to sell. Food insecurity remains a constant threat, and economic mobility is nearly impossible for the majority of the population.

Limited access to clean drinking water, electricity, education, and healthcare compounds the country’s struggles. Rural communities are particularly disadvantaged, with basic infrastructure either crumbling or non-existent. Malnutrition is endemic—more than half of all children under five years of age suffer from stunted growth due to chronic hunger and poor nutrition.

Burundi’s economic hardships are rooted in a complex history shaped by geography, colonial exploitation, and political instability. During the colonial era, first under German then Belgian rule, there was minimal investment in the country’s long-term development. Infrastructure was neglected, education was limited, and the foundations for a sustainable economy were never laid.

The post-independence years were equally turbulent. Political and ethnic divisions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities led to widespread violence, culminating in a devastating civil war that lasted from 1993 to 2005. The war claimed the lives of approximately 300,000 people and left the country economically and socially shattered. Even after the civil war officially ended, the road to stability remained fraught with obstacles.

A turning point came in 2015 when then-president Pierre Nkurunziza sought a controversial third term, leading to massive unrest, government crackdowns, and international sanctions. This not only stalled progress but also deepened Burundi’s isolation from the global economy, deterring investment and aid at a time when the country needed it most.

Geographically, Burundi faces additional disadvantages. As a landlocked country, it relies heavily on neighbouring countries for access to international trade routes. Poor road and transport networks significantly increase the cost of imports and exports, further restricting economic growth. Moreover, the country lacks the kind of natural resources—like oil, diamonds, or gold—that have helped transform neighbouring economies. The soil is heavily degraded due to overuse, and dense population pressure has limited agricultural productivity.

Yet, despite these overwhelming odds, glimmers of hope have emerged in recent years. Following a peaceful transition of power in 2020, the political climate has slowly begun to stabilise. The new government has taken steps toward improving governance and rebuilding trust with the international community. Development partners and aid organisations have re-engaged with Burundi, launching targeted programmes to address urgent needs in healthcare, education, and food security.

Agricultural support initiatives have begun to yield results as local farmers are introduced to more sustainable practices, improved tools, and access to cooperative networks. These changes have the potential to gradually lift communities out of poverty by increasing crop yields and reducing dependency on emergency food aid.

Burundi, one of the world’s poorest nations, is rising from decades of conflict and economic hardship through renewed peace, international aid, and grassroots resilience. Despite deep poverty and limited resources, the country is cautiously building a path toward recovery and long-term progress.

While the road ahead remains steep and fraught with uncertainty, the people of Burundi have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. With sustained international support, ongoing peace, and focused development strategies, Burundi may yet rise from the shadow of poverty and carve a more prosperous path for its future generations.