On March 17, 2025, in honor of Women’s Rights Month, Swisscontact, in partnership with AFAB, organized a mini fair showcasing artisanal products. This event brought together women entrepreneurs from various provinces who have received support from Swisscontact through the PROMOST program and AFAB.
Under the theme “Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship and Empowerment”, this initiative is part of the PROMOST program – “Promoting skills development oriented towards market needs and job creation in the Great Lakes region”, implemented by Swisscontact and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The event was attended by the legal representative of AFAB, the Director of Vocational Education, the Head of Swiss Cooperation, as well as several representatives from institutions and partner organizations.
According to Ms. Fidelie Bivugire, representative of AFAB, this fair is an opportunity for participants to enhance their knowledge through exchanges and testimonials from experienced entrepreneurs. They will also learn how to digitalize their businesses and use social media for marketing their products.
Ms. Yuka Greiler, Head of Swiss Cooperation in Burundi, commended the Burundian government’s efforts to promote workplace learning, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the successful integration of young people and women into the labor market. She encouraged civil society actors, private companies, and technical and financial partners to continue their efforts in supporting women entrepreneurs, providing collaboration opportunities, and facilitating access to larger markets.
She also reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to working alongside the Burundian government to build a future where every young person and woman can fully realize their potential and contribute to the country’s development.
