Burundi has taken a significant step toward strengthening digital governance with the adoption of a new bill on personal data protection. The National Assembly convened on January 15, 2026, at the Kigobe Congress Palace to examine and approve the legislation, under the leadership of Assembly President Daniel Gelase Ndabirabe.
The bill is designed to place citizens at the center of Burundi's evolving digital ecosystem. Addressing lawmakers, the Minister of the Interior, Leonidas Ndaruzaniye, highlighted that the rapid growth of digital technologies has led to increased collection, centralization, and use of personal data, making a robust legal framework essential to safeguard citizens' information.
The minister emphasized that the law is intended to balance technological progress with the protection of fundamental rights and individual freedoms. By aligning with modern digital realities, the legislation seeks to prevent misuse of personal data while ensuring responsible and transparent data handling practices.
