Burundi is taking a major step in strengthening its economic sector with the launch of the Ugushora project, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting exports and supporting private sector growth. Officially announced on February 20, this program is backed by the Ministry of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, the Embassy of the Netherlands, and key partners such as TRAIDE and TradeMark East Africa (TMA). By focusing on developing competitive value chains and overcoming market access barriers, Ugushora aims to enhance Burundi’s position in the regional and international economic landscape.
A Strategy to Boost Exports
Ugushora, which means “to export” or “to invest in export,” seeks to improve market access for local producers. As Minister Marie-Chantal Nijimbere highlighted, Burundian businesses face several challenges, including a lack of technology, limited investments, difficulties in meeting international standards, and insufficient information on market demand and requirements. Ugushora aims to provide concrete solutions by strengthening exporters’ capacities and optimizing the competitiveness of “Made in Burundi” products.
Diversifying Exports
With a significant trade deficit, the Burundian government is emphasizing the need to diversify exportable products beyond tea and coffee. Minister Nijimbere identified fruits and vegetables, as well as Hass avocados, as high-potential products for regional and international markets. The development of strategic infrastructure, including at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport and the commissioning of a hydroelectric terminal, will support the export of perishable goods.
A Project Aligned with National Ambitions
Ugushora is fully aligned with Burundi’s Vision 2040-2060 and the National Development Plan (PND) 2018-2027. TRAIDE Director Thijs Rutgers expressed enthusiasm for the country’s economic opportunities, emphasizing Burundi’s agricultural potential, including pineapple farms in Muyinga and avocado plantations.
In collaboration with local stakeholders, TRAIDE and its partners aim to promote a balanced investment model, co-developed with Burundian entrepreneurs to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. According to Rutgers, the success of this initiative relies on equitable relationships between foreign investors and local businesses.
Three Strategic Pillars for Lasting Impact
The project is structured around three key pillars:
- Development of Export-Oriented Value Chains: Ugushora focuses on priority sectors such as horticulture (mandarins), fishing, avocados, patchouli, and tourism.
- Facilitation of Market Access: By removing non-tariff barriers and improving trade facilitation, the project seeks to attract international market interest in Burundian products.
- Improvement of the Business Environment: By aligning private sector strategies with government policies, Ugushora will create a regulatory framework conducive to innovation and investment.
A Call for Mobilization
The Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Dutch Embassy, Ted Hunink, emphasized that Ugushora is a direct response to the expectations set by the Burundian government during the 2024 Investors’ Conference.
He also highlighted other support initiatives, such as the Orange Corners Story program and the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, which assist Burundian entrepreneurship.
Hunink called on all stakeholders, including ministries, the Burundi Development Agency (ADB), the Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFCIB), and the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR), to fully commit to ensuring the project’s success.
With Ugushora, Burundi is equipping itself with a powerful tool to accelerate its economic integration and strengthen its presence in regional and international markets. This project represents a significant step toward a more prosperous and inclusive economic future for the country.
Picture: Iwacu
