BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Burundi is preparing to integrate into the East African Payment System (EAPS) by December 2026, marking a major step in the country’s financial and regional trade integration.

The Bank of the Republic of Burundi has reported that work is underway to complete the country’s integration into the regional payment network within four months.

The move follows the modernization of Burundi’s real-time gross settlement infrastructure, including migration to the ISO 20022 international payment messaging standard. Burundi also launched its national instant-payment system, Burundi Pay, in March 2026.

Once connected to EAPS, Burundian banks and businesses are expected to gain improved access to faster cross-border payment services within the East African Community.

The development could also help reduce dependence on foreign currencies for regional transactions and make it easier for businesses to trade across East African markets.

Burundi’s entry into EAPS could give local companies a more efficient financial gateway to regional markets, supporting trade, investment and broader economic integration.