Publications de Presse Burundaise (PPB) is a state-run publishing entity responsible for the production and distribution of two main government-aligned newspapers, Le Renouveau (in French) and Ubumwe (in Kirundi). In addition to its journalistic output, PPB handles the printing of official government documents, brochures, and public communications.
Media assets
Publishing: Le Renouveau du Burundi, Ubumwe
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Established under Presidential Decree No. 100/0112 of 2019, PPB functions as a department under the Ministry of Communication, Information Technologies, and Media. Its governance is tightly controlled by the executive branch: all top leadership—including the general director and the chief editors of its publications—are appointed by the President upon recommendation from the communication minister.
As of June 2025, no new appointments have been publicly announced since the last round of executive nominations in March 2021. There is no transparent or competitive selection process for leadership roles.
Source of funding and budget
PPB is primarily state-funded, operating as a directorate within the Ministry of Communication. It generates additional revenue through paid announcements, classified ads, and institutional subscriptions, but these income streams remain insufficient to guarantee financial sustainability.
- In 2019, PPB received BIF 1 billion (US$ 563,000) from the state, covering over half of its annual budget.
- In 2021, the subsidy increased to BIF 1.1 billion (US$ 546,000).
- According to the 2023–2024 national budget, PPB received BIF 1.7 billion (US$ 603,000), the highest allocation to date, despite the local currency’s depreciation.
Despite this increase in funding, financial instability persists. PPB management has previously warned that without sufficient advertising revenue, flagship outlets like Le Renouveau risk collapse. In early 2025, Le Renouveau reduced its print frequency from five to three issues per week, citing rising production costs and distribution challenges.
As of 2025, no concrete reforms or diversification strategies have been implemented to improve PPB’s commercial viability.
Editorial independence
PPB operates as a government-controlled outlet, and its editorial line is closely aligned with official state narratives. Local media analysts report that both Le Renouveau and Ubumwe function as institutional mouthpieces, largely publishing content that portrays government officials and programs in a positive light.
There is no legal provision guaranteeing PPB’s editorial autonomy. Its position as a government department subjects it to ministerial oversight and bureaucratic directives, leaving little room for independent reporting.
Although Burundi’s Observatoire de la Presse du Burundi (OPB) acts as a general media monitor, PPB is not subject to any internal or external editorial oversight mechanism. The agency lacks an ombudsman, public editor, or formal complaints system to ensure journalistic accountability or pluralism.
May 2025