OBR launches a digital tax collection system
From Digital ID systems, Data protection and cybersecurity laws, AI strategies, and universal connectivity, Burundi has embarked on a bold digital journey to redefine governance, business, and daily life. However, insufficient and outdated digital public infrastructure, goods, and related challenges still impede progress, despite initiatives to overcome them.
This series takes you inside the country’s push toward ambitious digital transformation. Current initiatives, challenges, and expected outcomes.
This series has been produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship for Eastern Africa and Media Partnership with CIPESA.
Part 3
Part three emphasizes the launch of the e-Kori system to ease the taxation process, challenges, and prospects for taxpayers.
e-Kori and taxpayers long queues
In Bujumbura city, Burundi’s economic capital, at one of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) offices downtown, around 11:38 a.m., taxpayers from all corners of Bujumbura, mostly women, young people, and others, are crowded around the counter, filing their taxes.
Under the scorching sun, these taxpayers look tired and are desperately trying to be served. They have formed long queues.
Some are sweating, their faces reflecting the difficulty of accessing basic public services, especially taxes payment and fines.
Despite this, the OBR has launched the e-Kori system to ease the process. Some have not heard about it, while others believe that, if operational, it can do a lot by reducing their transportation costs and time wasted.
What is e-Kori?
“It is a digital platform, particularly for financial management. In collaboration with the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR), we are establishing a modern system for tax collection and management.”
This answer was given by Dr. Alain Ndikumana, Minister of Finance and Digital Economy, during the keynote speech at the official launch ceremonies on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) headquarters in Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic hub.
“Such a system is a crucial step toward the digital transformation of our beloved nation through the collection of its own resources,” declared Dr. Alain Ndikumana, Minister of Finance and Digital Economy, when delivering the keynote speech.
He reminded that the country has chosen the path of becoming a modern nation through its vision of a developed Burundi, “the e‑Kori project is a strategic tool because it will allow the country to collect its own funds and carry out development projects without relying on external aid.”Highlighted Ndikumana.
For him, “the e-Kori is strategic to improve the traceability of public revenues, reduce the risks of errors and tax fraud, and broaden the tax base fairly and equitably. This will enable better planning of public action, since every penny collected will serve citizens in building public infrastructure: our schools, our roads, our hospitals, etc.”
He called on all taxpayers, businesses, and administrators to fully embrace the tool, stressing that its success will depend on collective use and adoption. He reaffirmed the government’s total commitment to continue reforms with rigor, method, and responsibility.
On the other hand, the OBR Commissioner General urged the Revenue Authority staff to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the project’s success, encouraged taxpayers to demonstrate discipline in their operations and fiscal obligations, and pledged to support all stakeholders in ensuring the tool’s widespread adoption.
Mr. Thabet, an expert from Arabsoft, the company awarded the contract to develop the software and oversee the project, outlined its strategic objectives: improving efficiency, transparency, and control of tax administration by the central authority; supporting automation and integration of core tax processes; and establishing a scalable and sustainable tax system at the OBR.
Thabet emphasized. “We plan training and awareness sessions on the use of this tool, and our partner Keystone is ready to ensure IT security and data protection,” he concluded.
Lamentations over tax payment methods
Despite huge promises from officials, taxpayers tell a different story, even though they hope that if the e-Kori system operates, it can contribute a lot.
“I am from Gitaza, Muhuta commune, about 30km, which is far away in the south of Bujumbura town. I came to pay the driving contravention. I haven’t heard about the e-kori yet. If it operates, I think it will help us save time and transportation fare.” He lamented.
In the same queue, Rachel Akimana says that the way taxes are paid is inadequate. “Imagine you have to wake up earlier in the morning, yet you still end up queuing for long hours. Since many people nowadays have smartphones, using e-Kori would help us save a lot of time and deal with other duties.” She requested.
Lamentations are also recorded in other regional sub-offices of OBR in the North and the Center of the country. In fact, taxpayers experience the same queuing issues.
Even though the e-Kori was officially launched, the journey to its full operation remains long. Stany Ngendakumana, Director of Communication and Taxpayer Services at OBR, says that, beyond raising awareness, the collaboration between OBR and the Agence de Développement du Burundi (ADB) to digitalize all businesses’ fiscal identification is another prerequisite.
Beyond that, another key that strangles the e-Kori is the high rate of informal employment. According to the Burundi Labour Market Profile 2025, more than 90% of employment is in the informal sector, dominated by subsistence agriculture, petty trade, and small-scale services. The formal sector remains small, concentrated in public administration, education, and regulated industries. Thus making digital taxation ineffective despite internet penetration.
Part 4 will turn to Traders in the Tug-of-War Over Burundi’s Digital Billing Machines introduced by OBR before the e-kori.