- Delivers mobile voice, data and mobile money services
- Operates 3G and 4G LTE network nationwide
Services and operations of Econet Leo
Econet Leo Burundi began in 2009 after acquiring the local operator Spacetel. It merged with U‑Com Leo in 2015. The provider covers mobile voice, SMS, internet and mobile financial services under the EcoCash brand. It was the first operator to launch mobile broadband in Burundi from 2011 and rolled out 3G and 4G LTE networks. The company serves urban and rural areas via GSM‑900, GSM‑1800, UMTS‑2100 and LTE‑B3 bands. It supports wholesale and retail customers including individuals, businesses and institutions.
Econet Leo handles SIM sales, recharge vouchers and customer support. It provides secure mobile money transactions and bill payment services through its nationwide EcoCash agent network. The company maintains service centres and sales outlets across regional centres. It manages both prepaid and postpaid subscriptions. Its network underpins digital inclusion and expanding mobile access in Burundi. The team handles technical support, service activation, network maintenance and coverage expansion planning.
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Infrastructure footprint and market leadership
Econet Leo holds the largest mobile market share in Burundi, with over half the total subscribers. Its infrastructure includes cell sites across all provinces. Many sites rely on solar energy or diesel generators due to unreliable national power. The operator invested heavily in backhaul infrastructure and fibre connectivity for stability. It operates an autonomous system under AFRINIC registry. The network traffic uses IPv4 and passive IPv6 readiness strategies. Its data services support many sectors including banking, education and government. The EcoCash mobile money platform runs on secure infrastructure and integrates with financial partners.
Econet Leo also supports community initiatives, digital inclusion projects and rural electrification via solar rollouts. The company employs both local and managerial staff and contributes significantly to national telecom revenues. It continues to expand 4G coverage and aims to enhance network resilience. The company has no official branches outside Burundi but partners regionally within the Econet Wireless group.
