Free Tech Institute

04/05/2026

: Highlight of the official visit of a U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi delegation to our Digital Hub.

We were delighted to welcome the Embassy team for a meaningful visit focused on sharing our achievements and exploring potential areas of collaboration.
The visit concluded with a generous donation of books 📚 and a commitment to support the installation of an e-library within our computer systems, further strengthening our learning ecosystem.
This initiative directly supports our mission to equip beneficiaries of our training and mentorship programs with the skills they need to seize global opportunities .

This milestone reflects our strong commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and our vision of empowering young people with digital skills for the global stage

02/05/2026

: At Free Tech Institute, we believe that when young people are equipped with the right tools, they become powerful agents of change, today and in the future. Through our Digital Hub, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where their ideas can grow and thrive. 💡 Are you a young person passionate about technology or innovation, or do you know someone who is? This opportunity for the month of May is designed just for you.

📍 Simply scan the QR code or visit the front desk at our Digital Hub to apply. ⏳ Spaces are limited, and the final application deadline is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. If you miss this round, you’ll have another chance to apply next month.

29/04/2026

: As technology advances, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face the lowest level of financial inclusion globally, despite strong signs of transformation. According to projections by Mastercard, Africa’s digital payments economy could reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, with smartphone adoption exceeding 87%.

In Burundi, recent figures reflect encouraging progress: 7.7 million mobile money users, a financial inclusion rate of 78.7%, more than 158,000 registered agents, and over 101.6 million transactions recorded in Q3 2025.

However, despite this momentum and clear potential, significant structural barriers continue to limit fintech’s full contribution. Regulatory constraints, limited access to finance, infrastructure gaps, and low levels of digital literacy remain key challenges, slowing the sector’s ability to unlock inclusive growth.

Addressing these challenges is essential, particularly in a context where empowering SMEs is central to driving national economic growth. Fintech and decentralized technologies can play a catalytic role in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to access finance, scale operations, and engage more effectively in cross-border trade. By lowering transaction costs and reducing reliance on intermediaries, these innovations can help businesses take full advantage of expanded regional markets and strengthen participation in free trade frameworks.

At Free Tech Institute, we are convinced that Burundian startups are uniquely positioned to build solutions aligned with this vision. Through our recent workshop, we brought together innovative entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and ecosystem actors to foster dialogue and identify practical pathways to support SMEs, facilitate cross-border commerce, and accelerate inclusive economic transformation.

Atlas Network Human Rights Foundation (HRF)

27/04/2026

: Structural barriers ranging from restrictive regulations and limited access to finance, to outdated business practices and protectionist policies in key sectors such as telecommunications, continue to hinder SMEs from fully leveraging digital tools, including decentralized technology, and from effectively integrating into regional value chains under the AfCFTA.
These challenges were at the heart of discussions during our recent workshop, where participants not only identified key constraints but also co-developed actionable and forward-looking solutions. This session marked the launch of a sustained initiative aimed at driving policy influence and fostering a more enabling environment for SMEs.
Through a series of upcoming activities, including workshops, capacity-building programs, and multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, we are committed to advancing practical solutions, strengthening collaboration, and promoting reforms that unlock digital transformation and inclusive economic opportunities powered by decentralized technology.
We are pleased to share highlights from this first workshop in images below, as we begin this journey toward impactful and lasting change.
Atlas Network

22/04/2026

: We are pleased to introduce this panel, which will be one of the key highlights of the workshop, bringing together policymakers, academics, and key actors from the technology and financial sectors to explore practical solutions for SME development in Burundi.

Despite existing frameworks such as the revised Investment Code and the AfCFTA agreement, SMEs representing over 90% of private businesses continue to face major constraints, including limited access to finance, high compliance costs, and weak digital integration. In a context where fintech, decentralized technologies, and digital financial systems are rapidly transforming global markets, these gaps risk further excluding SMEs from economic opportunities.

This panel will therefore focus on how fintech innovation and decentralized technologies can be leveraged to improve financial inclusion, strengthen market access, and support SME competitiveness.

It will feature Niyuhire Sixte (ONATEL) on infrastructure and institutional environment, Kayibanda Monique (Entrepreneur & Lecturer Université du Lac Tanganyika) on SMEs’ needs and realities, and Dr. sahinguvu william (Université du Burundi) on academic perspectives and policy recommendations. The discussion will be moderated by our Chief Operating Officer Barakana Guy_Eudes.

Atlas Network

21/04/2026

: We are organizing a strategic workshop bringing together policymakers, decision-makers, academics, and key actors from the technology and finance sectors. This initiative is part of a project supported by Atlas Network , aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and innovation in Burundi.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, fintech represents a key driver of economic development by making financial services more accessible, efficient, and inclusive, particularly for SMEs, which form a major part of the economy. However, the sector remains at an early stage and faces challenges related to regulation, innovation capacity, and the adoption of new and decentralized technologies.
This workshop will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration to identify practical solutions for strengthening the fintech ecosystem, accelerating digital transformation, and enhancing SME access to inclusive financial services in Burundi.

20/04/2026

: With vibe coding, our young alumni are turning their ideas into viable initiatives 🚀

The first cohort has already begun delivering tangible results. Three of our laureates presented a viable initiative, demonstrating their ability to transform acquired skills into high-potential solutions 💡

Through training in multimedia, digital entrepreneurship, and an introduction to artificial intelligence, they developed Ingoma Creative Hub, an initiative that clearly reflects the impact of our approach: empowering young people to create, innovate, and build

Today also marks the launch of the second cohort in digital marketing. Thirty final-year secondary school students are beginning an intensive training program aimed at equipping them with practical skills essential for both their professional integration and academic advancement 🎓📊

We invite you to discover Ingoma Creative Hub through the link https://ingoma-web.vercel.app/ or by scanning the QR code below 🔗

18/04/2026

: Convinced that digital technology is a powerful driver of economic growth, our hub brings together young tech enthusiasts and developers every week through structured training sessions and Socratic seminars. These collaborative spaces foster critical thinking, innovation, and the co-creation of practical solutions to address real societal challenges.

At the heart of our mission is a strong commitment to investing in youth, who represent the future of our country. By equipping them with digital skills and an innovation-driven mindset, we are contributing to the emergence of a new generation of changemakers.

We are pleased to share a glimpse of our digital hub in action.

10/04/2026

: Our Approach: Detect • Instill • Empower

Here is our approach that we present to you in this highlight: we identify passionate tech enthusiasts with strong potential to drive change 🔍, then equip them with practical technical skills 💻 to help them build innovative solutions and create opportunities for themselves and their communities

Through continuous support and guidance 🚀, we empower them to grow, scale their ideas, and maximize their impact.

🎥 Watch this highlight to see our approach in action, brought to life through these photos.

08/04/2026

: Driven by our commitment to the SDGs, we are empowering youth with essential digital skills and practical competencies. Through our programs, we promote quality education (SDG 4), prepare young people for meaningful economic opportunities (SDG 8), and foster innovation and digital entrepreneurship (SDG 9). Join us in shaping a generation capable of driving sustainable development. To see our latest activity report, please visit our website by scanning the last slide

01/04/2026

: April is Here a Month That Begins with Easter Holidays!
Are you an early high school graduate? 🎓 Apply now to turn your holidays into a life-changing opportunity to acquire new skills 💻.
We have only 15 spots available , so submit your application as soon as possible . Applications close on April 5, 2026 ⏰

29/03/2026

: We are proud to see our Digital Inclusion program alumni already putting their skills into action 🚀

At Free Tech Institute, we are committed to equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed. By providing practical digital and entrepreneurial training, we empower them to create their own opportunities, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods, even in a context where unemployment remains a major challenge.

This is the true impact of investing in youth: when given the right tools, they don’t wait for opportunities, they shape them.

💡 Supporting and investing in young talents is essential. By backing initiatives like this, we are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and shaping a resilient, forward-looking future.

SkyNet-Burundi UNICEF Burundi

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