Strong growth in Viettel Burundi profit (Lumitel) in 2018

PSNews - On March 26th, 2019, Lumitel - the brand name of Viettel Group in Republic of Burundi, Africa celebrated its 4th anniversary of the official service provision.

  • DPRK officials visit Viettel’s research, production complex
  • Viettel brings four group of smart solutions to Mobile World Congress 2019
  • Viettel ranked among world's 500 most valuable brands
Lumitel - Africa market that sets a record to takes revenue to offset the operating expense in the fastest time.
Lumitel - Africa market that sets a record to takes revenue to offset the operating expense in the fastest time.

Among 10 international markets Viettel is trading, Burundi is the market where Viettel has reached the number 1 position with the fastest speed in the history, only after 7 months. In addition to becoming the largest telecom company, Lumitel sets a record as the unit to takes revenue to offset the operating expense in the fastest time, after 3 months since its opening. 

Lumitel had EBITDA Margin up to 54%, ranking the second among 10 international markets of Viettel. 54% is also the current number of telecom market shares of Lumitel brand in Burundi, occupying the No. 1 position.

At the end of 2018, Lumitel achieved pre-tax profit of over USD 7.3 million, showing an increase by 225% compared to 2017. In 2018 alone, there were an increase by 278,000 in the number of subscribers - showing the highest figure in the last 3 years (264,000 in 2017 and 239,000 in 2016) and the third consecutive year Lumitel occupies 70% of the new subscriber market share in Burundi.

As shared by Viettel Burundi CEO, Mr. Nguyen Huy Tan, in 2019, Lumitel set a goal of becoming a leading company in digital services, transmission channels and digital payment.
As shared by Viettel Burundi CEO, Mr. Nguyen Huy Tan, in 2019, Lumitel set a goal of becoming a leading company in digital services, transmission channels and digital payment.

Lumitel's Lumicash e-wallet, started to be offered in September 2016, seems to be hardly developed in a poor country like Burundi while competitors have been ahead up to 3 years. But by the end of 2018, there were an increased by 4 times in the number of new subscribers of Lumicash e-wallet compared to 2017, bringing the total number of customers to 320,000, accounting for 47% of the electronic wallet market share in Burundi, occupying the position. No. 1. In particular, Lumicash service is now profitable.

Currently, Burundi is the market where Viettel has the best urban subscription rate in Africa with 39% of the total number of subscribers. Although this is a very poor market, Lumitel's rate of subscribers with ARPU over USD 5/month is up to 34.6% of total subscribers, representing the highest rate among Viettel's African markets. 

As said by Mr. Nguyen Huy Tan, General Director of Lumitel (Viettel Burundi), Viettel's services must meet the demand of super cheap prices and optimal operation to achieve business efficiency because Burundi people are still very poor. 

Lumicash e-wallet leads the electronic payment market of Burundi thanks to the "tailor-made" design to the needs of customers.
Lumicash e-wallet leads the electronic payment market of Burundi thanks to the "tailor-made" design to the needs of customers.

Lumitel has ultimately found a solution to meet both requirements. "For example, Lumicash e-wallet service helps Burundi people pay taxes, fees and charges, electricity and water bills, etc., via mobile phones thanks to features specifically designed on 2G network USSD platform for the market".

Burundi is also the first international market of Viettel in the world to provide unlimited internal messaging package with a feature phone with the cost equivalent to only VND 500/day.

“However, we operate Lumitel in Burundi not only for revenue-generating, but also contribute to promoting socio-economic development as well as building international relations between the two countries in order to create a beautiful image of Vietnam in this country”, said by Mr. Nguyen Huy Tan.

These successes are considered the foundation for Viettel to believe that Lumitel will continue to lead in digital transformation in the East African nation as Burundi. In the coming time, Lumitel has set to become a leading company in digital services, transmission channels and digital payment.

PSNews

Other News

A view of a container port in Singapore. (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore trade cooperation gains fresh momentum

Analysts noted that Vietnam-Singapore ties are increasingly moving beyond traditional goods trade towards green growth, innovation and high-quality supply chains, laying a stronger foundation for more substantive and sustainable cooperation in the years ahead.

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

International visitors expressed positive impressions of Vietnamese products displayed at the fair. Nelma Sanjines, senior supervisor at ESP Catering in Sydney, praised the flavour of Vietnamese chilli sauce and soy sauce as well as the attractive packaging of confectionery products.

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Experts noted that supply chain optimisation and risk management are no longer isolated tasks for individual companies but a requirement for the entire export ecosystem. With guidance from regulators, support from industry experts and their own efforts, Vietnamese exporters are expected to enhance their competitiveness and turn technical barriers and market volatility into opportunities for sustainable growth in global markets.

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Alongside exhibition activities, trade promotion, and business networking programs, the “Gwangju Global Food Fair 2026” also witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnam–Korea Businessmen & Investment Association (VKBIA) and the Gwangju Tourism Organization of South Korea.

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Under a draft resolution currently open for public feedback by the municipal People’s Committee, residents with permanent or temporary residence registration in Hanoi for at least two consecutive years, who own petrol-powered motorbikes registered before the resolution takes effect, will be eligible for support when purchasing electric motorbikes priced at 10 million VND or more.

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.