Area Code 2240 – Central east zone
The phone area code for Central east zone is 2240 (international format +2572240). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The area code 2240 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the central east zone of Burundi. This zone encompasses the provinces of Gitega (the national political capital) and Karusi, along with surrounding communes. Gitega serves as the administrative hub, hosting government institutions and diplomatic missions, while Karusi is primarily an agricultural region. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this area, and it is managed by the Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT) under the national numbering plan.
Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions
For international callers, the full E.164 format is +257 2240 XXXX, where the subscriber number is typically 4 digits (total national number length is 8 digits after the country code). When dialing from abroad, you must include the country code +257 and omit any leading trunk prefix. For example, to call a fixed line in Gitega from the United States, you would dial: 011 257 2240 XXXX (or +257 2240 XXXX from a mobile phone).
For local calls within Burundi, the trunk prefix is 0 before the NDC. Thus, a caller in Bujumbura would dial 0 2240 XXXX. However, calls from within the same central east zone may require only the subscriber number, depending on the operator's local dialing plan. It is advisable to always use the full national format (0 2240 XXXX) to avoid misdialing.
Overlays and Numbering Considerations
As of the latest ITU-T operational bulletin, no overlay code has been introduced for the 2240 area. The numbering capacity is sufficient for the current demand, but with the expansion of fixed broadband and VoIP services, ARCT may consider number conservation measures. Subscribers in this region can also be reached via mobile networks, but those numbers will have distinct mobile prefixes (e.g., 79, 71) and are not part of the 2240 geographic range.
Practical Usage and Tips
When documenting this code for business directories or websites, always use the international format +257 2240 XXXX to ensure global accessibility. For travelers or expatriates in Burundi, note that fixed-line services are less common than mobile, so you may encounter longer connection times. If you experience difficulties, verify that you are using the correct country code (+257) and that the number has 8 digits in total.