If you’ve been looking at getting a domain in burundi, you’ve probably asked yourself this. What is a .bi domain, and why is it all over Burundi’s digital scene?
For anyone considering starting a business in burundi the first thing that you want is a website that screams, “I am in Burundi.”
I mean, you want to be reaching customers all over the country, from Gitega all the way to far beyond Lake Tanganyika.

But with so many domain options, you need to be careful enough to pick the right one.
Since we know you want the perfect one, and perfectionists can be overwhelmed by many choices, we make it our duty to take that hassle away.
Honestly, you’re not alone.
Entrepreneurs, bloggers, and even NGOs, among many others in Burundi, often face the same dilemma.
Everyone wants to stand out online in a way that feels authentic and local.
The .bi domain comes in just for that.
So, this guide will unpack everything you need to know about .bi domains and why you should give one a try.
We will look at:
- What is a .bi domain and its unique role in Burundi
- What it does for businesses, bloggers, NGOs, etc.
- A clear guide to registering yours with Truehost
- Tips to maximize SEO and branding
Let’s learn more about this .bi domain and see what it has to offer.
What Is a .Bi Domain?—The Basics
So, what is a .bi domain exactly?
It is Burundi’s official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), like .ke for Kenya or .uk for the UK.
I’m sure you’ve heard of those.
Think of it as a digital badge that says, “We’re rooted in Burundi.”
It’s managed by the National Center of Information Technology (NIC.BI) in Burundi and designed for anyone—businesses, individuals, or organizations—wanting to connect with Burundi’s growing online audience.
A .bi domain follows a simple structure: yourname.bi.
For example, a Gitega-based coffee exporter might use GitegaCoffee.bi.

Short and simple, right?
The .bi domain is open to anyone, though some registrars like Truehost.
They simplify the process for Burundians with local payment options like mobile money.
Unlike generic domains like .com, .bi screams local pride, making it easier for customers in Bujumbura or Ngozi to find and trust you.
Plus, it’s a smart SEO move for ranking higher in Burundi-specific searches.
Why choose Truehost?
They’re Burundi’s trusted partner, offering instant .bi registration, secure hosting, and 24/7 support tailored for local needs.
A Brief History of the .Bi Domain
To understand what is a .bi domain and its significance, let’s rewind.
It was introduced in 1996, and was created to mainly give Burundi a distinct digital identity as internet access began trickling into the region.
Back then, Burundi’s online scene was budding, with only a handful of businesses and government sites.
Fast forward to 2025, and Burundi’s internet penetration is growing fast.
We have over 10% of the population online, fueled by mobile networks and e-commerce.
The .bi domain has evolved together with this digital growth.
Once a niche choice, it’s now a go-to for startups, NGOs, and even international firms wanting to invest in Burundi’s market.
Why? It’s a signal of authenticity in a world where trust is currency.
Truehost has been pivotal here, simplifying registration to keep .bi accessible as Burundi’s digital economy expands.
Benefits of a .Bi Domain for Your Brand
Why go for a .bi domain?
Let’s just say it’s both a web address, but even more, a strategic move for anyone building in Burundi.
Here’s why:
- Local Trust: A .bi domain tells customers you’re Burundi-based, earning you instant credibility. For example, a tourism agency using ExploreBurundi.bi feels more authentic than a generic .com.
- SEO Boost: Google prioritizes ccTLDs for local searches. If someone in Gitega searches “coffee exporters,” BurundiBeans.bi is likelier to rank higher.
- Brand Protection: Secure your name before someone else does. Truehost’s tools make it easy to lock in your .bi domain.
- Memorable URLs: Short, catchy .bi domains stand out—think TechHub.bi vs. a clunky .co alternative.
- Affordability: Truehost offers competitive pricing, with Burundi-friendly payment options like M-PESA or local bank transfers.
For Burundi’s entrepreneurs, .bi is a chance to shine in a crowded online market.
Who Should Use a .Bi Domain?
What is a .bi domain best suited for?
Well, as mentioned earlier, it’s for anyone wanting to make waves in Burundi’s market:
- Local Businesses: From coffee exporters to Bujumbura boutiques, .bi builds trust. Imagine GitegaCrafts.bi for an artisan shop.
- Startups and Techies: Burundi’s tech scene is growing—use CodeBurundi.bi to launch your app.
- NGOs and Nonprofits: Organizations like those supporting Lake Tanganyika conservation can use SaveLake.bi to rally support.
- Bloggers and Creatives: Share your Burundi stories with MyGitega.bi.
- International Brands: Companies targeting Burundi can localize with .bi for better engagement.
How to Register a .Bi Domain with Truehost
If your question on “What is a .bi domain?” is already answered, you could go ahead and grab one for yourself.
Truehost makes it a breeze, especially if you are in Burundi.

Here’s how you do it:
- Search Availability: Visit Truehost and enter your desired domain (e.g., YourBrand.bi).
- Choose Your Plan: Truehost offers affordable packages, often bundling hosting or email services.
- Sign Up: Create an account with your details. Truehost supports local payments like mobile money or bank transfers—perfect for Burundi.
- Confirm and Pay: Verify your domain and complete payment. Truehost’s secure platform ensures quick activation.
- Set Up: Use Truehost’s dashboard to link your domain to a website, email, or hosting.
Pro Tip: Choose a name that’s short, memorable, and reflects your brand—like BurundiBrew.bi for a coffee shop. Avoid hyphens or complex spellings to keep it user-friendly.
Remember to grab one already before someone else does.
.Bi vs. Other Domains: What’s the Difference?
When exploring the “what is a .bi domain” edge, comparisons help.
You want to see how .bi stacks up:
- Vs. .com/.org: These are global but lack Burundi’s local flavor. .bi boosts regional SEO and trust.
- Vs. .co: Trendy but generic, .co doesn’t tie you to Burundi like YourBrand.bi does.
- Vs. Other ccTLDs: Compared to .rw (Rwanda) or .tz (Tanzania), .bi is uniquely Burundian, perfect for local pride.
For a Gitega startup, TechTrend.bi outshines TechTrend.com in local searches. Plus Truehost’s pricing makes .bi a no-brainer over pricier generics.
SEO and Branding Strategies with .Bi
A .bi domain is your name or identity.
But most importantly, it’s a branding and SEO powerhouse.
Here’s how you use that to your advantage:
- Geo-Targeted SEO: Use keywords like “Burundi coffee” on YourCafe.bi to rank higher in local searches.
- Consistent Branding: Match your .bi domain to your social handles (e.g., @BurundiCafe on X) for a unified look.
- Content Strategy: Share Burundi-centric blogs or products to engage local audiences.
- Trust Signals: A .bi domain signals authenticity, encouraging clicks and conversions.
For instance, a hypothetical BujumburaEats.bi could dominate food delivery searches in Burundi.
Truehost’s SEO tools can help you optimize your site further.
Challenges and Solutions with .Bi Domains
Now, let’s look at some of the hurdles with the .bi domains:
- Availability: Popular names may be taken. Solution: Try variations (e.g., GitegaCafe.bi instead of Cafe.bi) and check Truehost’s suggestions.
- Renewals: Forgetting to renew risks losing your domain. Truehost sends reminders and offers auto-renewal.
- Security: Cyber threats are real. Truehost provides SSL certificates and security add-ons for your business or brand to stay safe.
With Truehost, owning a .bi domain is stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a .bi domain?
It’s Burundi’s official ccTLD, perfect for businesses, bloggers, or anyone targeting Burundi’s market.
Who can register a .bi domain?
Anyone, though Burundi-based users benefit most. Truehost makes it easy with local payment options.
How much does a .bi domain cost?
Pricing varies, but Truehost offers competitive rates.
Can I use .bi for SEO?
Absolutely! It boosts local search rankings, especially for Burundi-specific queries.
Why choose Truehost?
Truehost offers affordable .bi domains, local support, and extras like hosting.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is a .bi domain, it’s clear why it’s a must-have for anyone building in Burundi’s vibrant digital landscape.
From boosting local SEO to screaming authenticity, .bi is your chance to stand out.
So for all of you Bujumbura entrepreneurs or global brands thinking about Burundi’s market, it’s your time to shine.
With Truehost, registering your .bi domain is quick, affordable, and tailored for Burundians.
Don’t let your perfect domain slip away.
Visit Truehost today, search for your .bi name, and start building your digital legacy.
Your Burundi story deserves a home online—make it a .bi.