The roundtable of development partners and private investors was concluded in Bujumbura on Friday, December 6, 2024, after two days of rich and constructive discussions. Under the high patronage of Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, this event, centered on enhancing the business environment and attracting investments to catalyze economic growth, brought together investors, experts and delegations to focus on strategic projects aimed at transforming Burundi’s economy. With investment commitments exceeding $200 million, the discussions spotlighted key sectors including health, energy, mining, infrastructure, and tourism with the goal of diversifying income sources and fostering sustainable growth.
In his opening remarks, President Ndayishimiye said, “Investing in Burundi is not just an economic opportunity; it is also a contribution to intra- and intercontinental development.” This visionary statement set the stage for dynamic discussions aimed at realizing the nation’s Vision 2040-2060 development goal.
Opportunities and Challenges in Health Sector
A dedicated panel on health delved into the sector’s challenges and potential. Dr. Jean Kamana, former Minister of Health, highlighted critical issues such as the emigration of skilled professionals and a shortage of medical specialists. He urged investors to bridge these gaps by hiring qualified personnel or financing training programs through partnerships with the National Institute of Public Health and medical faculties.
Dr. Kamana also proposed modernizing provincial health plans, accelerating universal health coverage, and revising medical fees to balance affordability and return on investment. These measures, he emphasized, could help instill confidence among potential investors in this vital sector.
Minister of Health Lyduine Baradahana showcased ongoing projects, including upgrading 42 district hospitals and six national hospitals and establishing a national laboratory for medicine quality control. “Since 2013, we have achieved significant strides in digitizing hospital services and modernizing the health information system,” she noted, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as the lack of specialists and telemedicine services.
Unlocking Structural Transformation in Energy and Mining
In the energy sector, Minister Ibrahim Uwizeye outlined Burundi’s bold ambitions. “The current electrification rate is 22.6%, or 153 MW. By 2030, we aim to increase capacity to at least 1,000 MW,” he stated. Planned projects include 30 hydroelectric plants projected to generate 360 MW and 13 solar photovoltaic sites expected to deliver 460 MW, crucial steps in bridging the nation’s energy gap and fueling industrial growth.
Turning to mining, Minister Uwizeye announced the planned construction of the Uvinza-Musongati-Gitega railway to facilitate the export of heavy minerals like nickel to the Indian Ocean. Additional initiatives include promoting mineral exploration, local processing, and introducing an investor-friendly tax regime to attract private stakeholders.
Strong International Commitment
The African Development Bank (AfDB) reaffirmed its unwavering support for Burundi, pledging USD 700 million over the next five years. Pascal Yembeline, AfDB Resident Representative, noted, “Our active portfolio of USD 500 million will continue to support value chains, particularly in agricultural transformation and infrastructure development.”
A USD 150 million project, nearing finalization in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, will address agriculture, lake and rail transport, and youth employability.
The roundtable successfully outlined strategic priorities for Burundi’s economic transformation. Commitments from both the government and investors signify a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward economic renewal.
Implementing the event’s recommendations will be key to converting these aspirations into tangible results. Burundi stands at the threshold of a transformative era, buoyed by ambitious visions, promising partnerships, and a clear roadmap for sustainable development. Only time will reveal the full impact of this historic gathering.
