Master Plan for the Digitalization of Public Services in Burundi

June 2023

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Strategies and Action Plans

The Master Plan for the Digitalization of Public Services in Burundi (PDDSP 2023-2033) is a strategic blueprint aimed at transforming the country’s public service delivery through the adoption of digital technologies. This plan envisions a connected Burundi where digitised, interconnected, and accessible public services act as a catalyst for good governance, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its citizens.

The PDDSP 2023-2033 is structured around ten key components, each addressing critical aspects of digital transformation. From establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework to building ICT infrastructure and enhancing human capacities, the plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap to achieve its ambitious goals. It emphasises the need for effective coordination, risk mitigation, and continuous evaluation to ensure the success and sustainability of digital initiatives.

By promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability, the PDDSP aims to create a conducive environment for sustainable development and to meet sustainable development goals. The plan underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration, highlighting a phased approach for its implementation—starting with awareness and preparation, followed by execution, and culminating in rigorous evaluation.

Vision

The vision of the PDDSP 2023-2033 is: ‘A connected Burundi with digitized, interconnected, and accessible public services, serving as a lever for good governance, economic growth, and improved quality of life for the population.’

This vision aims for a promising future for citizens and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Effective dissemination is crucial so that the objectives and strategies for its implementation are well understood and accepted by all stakeholders.

Approach for Implementation:

  • Preparatory Phase: This phase involves promoting and raising awareness about the PDDSP 2023-2033. Stakeholders will be sensitised, and funds will be mobilised for effective adherence to various strategies for successful e-Government projects. A roadmap for identified initiatives/prerequisites will be established.
  • Implementation Phase: This phase focuses on executing the roadmap developed during the preparatory phase, considering the environment and constraints.
  • Evaluation Phase: This phase will evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the PDDSP 2023-2033 implementation. Two mid-term evaluations will be conducted in 2025 and 2028 to highlight successes or failures and guide future strategies. A final evaluation at the end of 2032 will assess the progress in digitalising public services and identify future perspectives.

Mission of the PDDSP 2023-2033

The Government of Burundi adopts the PDDSP 2023-2033 to improve e-governance through promoting digitised, interconnected, accessible public services, supported by an effective normative and regulatory framework.

Five Mandates:

  1. Develop and coordinate the implementation of the e-Government strategy.
  2. Develop and implement policies, frameworks, and standards to ensure high-quality and secure online administration.
  3. Implement integrated online governance with shared infrastructure, databases, and services.
  4. Provide online public services in optimal conditions.
  5. Promote technical leadership capacity among officials and citizens to ensure successful e-Government implementation.

Values

To ensure the success of the PDDSP 2023-2033, stakeholders should be guided by the following values:

  1. Innovation
  2. Reliability
  3. Transparency/Traceability
  4. Efficiency/Efficacy
  5. Accountability
  6. Accessibility

Objectives

General Objective: The overall objective of the PDDSP 2023-2033 is to guide the digitalisation of public services.

Specific Objectives:

  • Improve the efficiency and quality of services offered by the Government.
  • Enhance the management system of public services.
  • Stimulate digital culture and technological awareness among government officials and citizens.
  • Strengthen work efficiency among different government bodies.
  • Reduce the overall cost of governance.
  • Provide multiple access and distribution channels for citizens, businesses, and government employees.
  • Establish a legal coordination framework (regulatory and institutional).
  • Set up a capacity-building framework for stakeholders.
  • Promote partnership frameworks with the private sector and development partners in service delivery models.
  • Strengthen ICT financing mobilisation mechanisms.

Strategic Axes

  1. Strengthening the Legal and Regulatory Framework: A secure legal and regulatory environment is essential for the successful digitalisation of public services to ensure data protection, cybersecurity, and electronic transactions.
  2. Human Capacity Building: Transforming into a knowledge-based economy requires significant investment in developing ICT skills to support innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Additionally, promoting digital culture awareness is necessary to address potential resistance to change.
  3. Development of ICT Infrastructure: Digital infrastructure is a crucial pillar for the digitalisation of public services.