On April 25, 2025, Ingoma Stadium in Gitega Province hosted a major national event celebrating the impact of the PAEEJ (Projet d’Appui à l’Entrepreneuriat des Jeunes) on youth empowerment in Burundi. Dubbed Youth Impulse, the day was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by several government ministers and renowned Burundian artists, including Vichou Love, Mukombozi, and Mutima.
Over 8,000 young entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of PAEEJ support, gathered to showcase the progress of their projects funded through the initiative. The youth, full of pride and hope, paraded before the President and high-ranking officials, displaying samples of their products and sharing success stories, underscoring the program’s tangible impact on their lives.
Speaking at the event, President Ndayishimiye commended the PAEEJ leadership for their outstanding results. Over four years, the program has successfully executed 3,889 projects, achieving a 91% success rate and generating more than 16,618 jobs across various sectors. The President urged other ministries to emulate PAEEJ’s model in crafting their action plans to accelerate Burundi’s ambition of becoming an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060.
President Ndayishimiye also announced plans to reinforce the PAEEJ initiative, calling on national and international partners working in youth development to align their support with PAEEJ’s proven framework for greater impact and better coordination.
In a festive moment, the President invited the attending artists to join him on stage, sharing a dance to energize the audience and show solidarity with the youth. During the celebration, artist Vichou Love expressed heartfelt gratitude for the program’s support, revealing aspirations to establish a music academy to nurture emerging talents.
The day concluded with a special evening concert featuring performances by popular Burundian artists B Face, Esther Nish, and Mukombozi, leaving the young audience inspired and energized.
