The African Development Bank has played a crucial role in supporting Burundis development since the country joined the institution in 1968. With 173 projects financed totaling approximately 1.52bn, the Bank has focused its efforts on vital sectors such as energy, transport infrastructure, and agriculture.
The Banks current initiatives are strategically aligned with Burundis National Development Plan 2018-2027 and Vision 2040-2060 and its Country Strategy Paper for 2024-2029 underscores its commitment to strengthening resilience, promoting inclusive growth, and enhancing public sector efficiency.
Infrastructure is at the heart of the AfDBs interventions in Burundi, representing 83 of its current portfolio. Of this, transport projects account for 51, facilitating regional connectivity with neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Energy projects constitute 32 of the infrastructure focus, addressing Burundis significant electricity deficit, where only around 10 of the population has access to reliable power. The AfDBs energy investments are pivotal in supporting Burundis ambition for universal electricity access by 2040. According to Pascal Yembiline, head of AfDBs country office in Burundi, the successes achieved, particularly in infrastructure and access to energy, testify to our commitment to Burundi.
Agriculture the priority to address food security concernsAgriculture is another critical sector for Burundi, representing 10 of the AfDBs portfolio in the country. The Banks initiatives in this sector focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, modernising practices, and supporting agri-business value chains. This approach not only aligns with Burundis vision for modernising agriculture but also addresses food security concerns, particularly as the sector employs over 80 of the population. Damas Bakuranimana, Permanent Secretary at Burundis Ministry of Finance, commended the AfDBs ongoing support. We hope that this cooperation will continue and will help to accomplish our vision for Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060, he said at the launch of the Country Strategy Paper.
The launch of the strategy paper Banks 2024-2029 Country Strategy Paper for Burundi, coincided with the countrys commemoration of African Development Banks 60th anniversary. The two-day celebration featured a conference on the role of international financial institutions in Africas development, especially Burundi, and an open-day event for civil society organisations, where speakers commended the bank for its interventions across the continent. The Banks 2024-2029 Country Strategy Paper for Burundi supports the countrys goals for an inclusive, sustainable future in line with its 2018-2027 National Development Plan.
