Burundi’s LONA demonstrates gambling’s social contribution through Heroes Cup sponsorship

LONA says its activities extend beyond gambling regulation and revenue collection to support projects in education, sport and community development.

Burundi.- Burundi’s National Lottery (LONA) has sponsored the Heroes Cup, a basketball competition held as part of the Amstel Basketball League, citing the gambling sector’s potential to deliver social benefits beyond revenue generation.

The 2026 edition brought together leading basketball teams from Burundi and attracted spectators and institutional representatives. Dynamo BBC won the title after defeating the Tigers 75–65 in the final. Nikiza Delvire scored 17 points and collected five rebounds for the winners, while Joe Guibert contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Kern BBC finished third after beating Aigle Noir 83–63.

In a statement published on its official website on October 22, LONA said its involvement in the competition reflected its commitment to developing sport in Burundi and promoting local talent.

The sponsorship follows other initiatives by the lottery in education and community infrastructure. In October, LONA reported donating 224 school desks to Lycée Technique de l’Unité de Mugongo in Bubanza. Earlier in 2026, it supplied 100 beds to Lycée Musema boarding school in Kayanza and educational materials to schools in Burunga and Gitega. It has also donated chairs to schools in several areas.

LONA is also financing a bridge linking the Kabezi and Ruhana sub-hills in Mugere commune, Bujumbura Province. The project is expected to improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets while supporting agricultural trade.

As part of its mandate, LONA collects gambling-related tax revenue for the Treasury and supervises licensed gambling operators. The lottery has stated that licensed concessionaires must contribute 10 per cent of their operating profits to public-interest programmes.