Burundi : soaring bean prices worry households in Bujumbura

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 7, 2026 – The rapid rise in bean prices is increasingly worrying residents of Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, home to United Nations agencies and the country’s central administration. In just one week, the price per kilogram has increased sharply, with an estimated rise of between 1,500 and 2,000 Burundi francs, depending on the market.

Today, some types of beans have become almost unaffordable for many households. Kinure beans are selling for up to 6,500 Burundi francs per kilogram. Another type, known as Pakira Fuso, costs around 6,000 francs in several shops in the commercial capital.

In some markets in Bujumbura, particularly the market known as “Chez Sion” in the north of the city, vendors say they are facing an unusual situation. Some have even suspended the sale of certain varieties of beans due to the exorbitant prices.

“We’ve never seen such a price surge, not even during times of shortage,” explains a vendor met there.

This increase is part of a general rise in the prices of all foodstuffs, exacerbated by the fuel crisis that has been ongoing for more than five years in the small East African nation.

Beans are a staple food for a large part of the Burundian population. Their scarcity and high cost directly impact the daily lives of families. Several residents interviewed indicated that they have already begun to reduce their consumption or seek less expensive alternatives.

“If prices continue to rise, many households risk no longer being able to feed themselves properly,” warns a father living in the northern part of the city.

This situation comes as the next bean harvest is expected in June. Many hope that this period will bring a drop in prices and a gradual return to normal. Meanwhile, concern is growing over a possible worsening of the food situation in Burundi’s commercial capital.

Observers are calling on the authorities to closely monitor food price trends and take measures to protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable households.