Strengthening Burundi’s digital future: NRS leads conversations on internet governance and cybersecurity in Bujumbura

Bujumbura, Burundi | 6 November 2026

As Burundi continues to advance its digital transformation ambitions, conversations around Internet governance, cybersecurity and the protection of critical digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.

On 6 November 2026, the Number Resource Society (NRS), in collaboration with BBC & Fils SARL, brought together government representatives, regulators, Internet operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other digital ecosystem stakeholders for a seminar at the Donatus Conference Center in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Running from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the seminar provided an important platform for discussing how stronger Internet governance frameworks, effective management of Internet resources and improved cybersecurity practices can contribute to a more secure, resilient and sustainable digital environment for Burundi.

Understanding the foundations of internet governance

The Internet is more than the websites we visit, the applications we use or the connections that keep businesses and institutions running. Behind every digital interaction is an interconnected system of infrastructure, policies, technical resources and institutions that make global connectivity possible.

A central theme of the seminar was the role of Internet governance and Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) in maintaining the stability and coordination of the global Internet.

Participants explored how Internet number resources, particularly IP addresses, are managed and why operators and ISPs have an important responsibility in ensuring that these resources are properly understood, managed and utilized.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of active participation by national institutions in regional Internet governance processes. Decisions made within the broader Internet ecosystem can influence how networks operate, how resources are distributed and how the region prepares for future digital demands.

For Burundi, developing a stronger understanding of these frameworks is an important step towards ensuring that local institutions and industry stakeholders are not simply affected by Internet governance decisions but are also equipped to participate in shaping them.

Cybersecurity: Protecting the infrastructure behind digital progress

As digital connectivity expands, so does the need to protect the systems that support it.

Cybersecurity formed another major focus of the seminar, with discussions addressing cyberattack prevention, critical digital infrastructure protection, and practical security measures that public institutions can adopt.

The conversation reinforced an important reality: digital transformation cannot be sustainable without security.

Public institutions, operators and service providers increasingly depend on interconnected digital systems to deliver essential services, manage information and support economic activity. Protecting these systems requires more than technology alone. It calls for awareness, preparedness, technical expertise and coordinated action among the different stakeholders responsible for the digital environment.

Participants examined the importance of adopting cybersecurity best practices and strengthening local technical capacity to better identify, prevent and respond to emerging threats.

Bringing institutions and industry stakeholders together

Beyond the presentations, the seminar created an interactive space for dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Government representatives, regulators, operators and other participants shared perspectives on some of the challenges affecting Burundi's Internet ecosystem, including the protection of critical digital infrastructure, regulatory and institutional engagement, and the need for stronger collaboration across the industry.

One of the important themes emerging from these exchanges was the value of local participation.

Effective Internet governance requires informed institutions, capable technical communities and operators who understand both their responsibilities and their place within the global Internet ecosystem.

Strengthening these relationships can help create a more coordinated approach to addressing digital challenges while opening opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional engagement and long-term capacity development.

Building a stronger digital ecosystem through collaboration

The discussions in Bujumbura highlighted several areas of shared interest and opportunity:

• Greater understanding of Internet governance: Improving awareness of governance structures, RIR processes and the frameworks that guide Internet number resource management.
• Stronger cybersecurity awareness: Building knowledge and practical capacity to protect digital infrastructure and prevent cyberattacks.
• Increased institutional participation: Encouraging Burundian institutions and relevant stakeholders to engage more actively in regional Internet governance discussions.
• Industry collaboration: Strengthening relationships between government institutions, regulators, operators, ISPs, and other industry players.
• Continued engagement with NRS: Exploring opportunities for deeper, more structured collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.

These priorities reflect a shared recognition that a resilient digital ecosystem cannot be built by one institution or stakeholder group working in isolation.

Connecting internet governance to Burundi's vision 2040–2060

Burundi's Vision 2040-2060 provides a long-term framework for the country's development ambitions. Digital infrastructure, connectivity, innovation and institutional capacity are important considerations in building the foundations for that future.

The conversations at the NRS seminar aligned with this broader direction by emphasizing the importance of responsible Internet resource management, stronger cybersecurity practices and meaningful participation in digital governance.

As countries increasingly depend on digital infrastructure to support economic growth, public services and innovation, the ability to understand and manage critical Internet resources becomes an important part of national development.

Building this capacity today helps position institutions and industry stakeholders to respond more effectively to tomorrow's digital opportunities and challenges.

NRS: Advancing internet governance and digital capacity across africa

For the Number Resource Society, the Bujumbura seminar forms part of a broader commitment to strengthening understanding, awareness and participation in Internet governance across Africa.

NRS continues to engage operators, institutions, regulators, and other stakeholders to promote responsible Internet number resource management, encourage participation in regional governance processes, and support stronger digital ecosystems.

The seminar also reinforced the importance of creating spaces where technical knowledge, institutional perspectives and industry experience can come together to inform meaningful conversations and practical collaboration.

Participants' interest in further engagement presents an opportunity to build on the discussions initiated in Bujumbura and explore future capacity-building and partnership initiatives.

The conversation must continue

The future of the Internet will not be shaped by infrastructure alone. It will also depend on the people, institutions and industry stakeholders who understand it, manage it and participate in the decisions that guide its development.

The NRS seminar in Bujumbura was an important step in strengthening that understanding within Burundi's digital ecosystem.

From Internet governance and IP resource management to cybersecurity and institutional participation, the discussions underscored a common priority: building a secure, resilient and inclusive digital future through knowledge, collaboration and responsible engagement.

The next step is to turn these conversations into sustained participation, stronger partnerships and practical action.

Because a stronger Internet ecosystem begins with informed stakeholders.

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