Fight against tax evasion : the Finance Minister closes around ten businesses in Bujumbura

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, July 10, 2025 – Minister of Finance Nestor Ntahontuye ordered the closure of several businesses in the Asian neighborhood of Bujumbura (Burundi’s commercial capital) on Tuesday for non-compliance with tax regulations. He promised to extend the operation to the entire country.

In a firm demonstration of the Burundian government’s commitment to combating tax evasion, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Nestor Ntahontuye, conducted a surprise operation on Tuesday afternoon in the Rohero zone, in the heart of Bujumbura’s Asian neighborhood. The result : around ten businesses were closed for non-compliance with current tax regulations.

Lack of electronic invoicing and tax debts

The targeted businesses are accused of not properly using electronic invoicing machines, even though they are mandatory, or of having completely ignored them. Others are carrying significant unpaid tax debts. The Minister, accompanied by a team from the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR), personally inspected several stores.

“The merchants know very well that they currently have to deliver goods with electronic invoices,” insisted Nestor Ntahontuye, emphasizing that this measure aims to increase transparency and government revenue.

A campaign that will expand nationwide

Far from being an isolated action, this visit marks the beginning of a national campaign. “This situation must change at all costs. That is why the operation will continue in all provinces of the country,” warned the Minister. He recalled that 5,000 electronic invoicing machines have been made available to merchants since March 2025, but that fewer than 1,000 are currently in use, which he considers unacceptable.

The Minister asked the OBR to intensify inspections and apply exemplary penalties. He also reiterated that the current Finance Act provides for a fine equivalent to 20% of the value of goods sold without an electronic invoice.

Reopening conditional on regularization

Mr. Ntahontuye specified, however, that sanctioned businesses will be able to reopen as soon as they are in compliance with the tax authorities. He emphasized the educational nature of this initiative, while stressing that zero tolerance is now in place as part of the ongoing tax reform.