At 64, Burundi Unveils Bold Economic Vision, Courts Nigerian Investors, Deepens Bilateral Ties

Burundi has unveiled an ambitious economic transformation agenda and stepped up efforts to attract Nigerian investment as it celebrated the 64th anniversary of its independence in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to stronger bilateral relations with Africa’s largest economy.

Speaking at the anniversary reception, Burundi’s Ambassador to Nigeria said the country was positioning itself as one of Africa’s emerging investment destinations, backed by political stability, institutional reforms and a long-term development strategy aimed at achieving emerging economy status by 2040 and developed nation status by 2060.

Addressing diplomats, government officials, development partners and members of the Burundian community, the envoy said this year’s celebration, themed “Let us love our country and make it loved by others,” reflected Burundi’s renewed commitment to patriotism, unity and sustainable national development.

He said Burundi had made significant progress in peacebuilding, governance and economic reforms under President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union.

The ambassador disclosed that Nigerian investors had already begun establishing businesses in Burundi and urged more entrepreneurs and companies to take advantage of investment opportunities across agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure and the digital economy.

“Burundi is undergoing profound transformation. Peace, stability and sound economic reforms are creating an increasingly attractive environment for investment,” he said.

He stressed that the country’s understanding of independence has evolved beyond political freedom to include economic self-reliance, strong institutions, sustainable development and improved living standards for its people.

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Babagana Wakil, congratulated Burundi on attaining 64 years of independence and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with the East African nation.

He described Burundi’s independence as a symbol of resilience, freedom and democratic progress, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to flourish through cooperation within the African Union and other continental platforms.

Wakil highlighted a series of high-level engagements between both countries, including President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s visits to Nigeria in 2023 for the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Niger Republic.

He also recalled exchanges involving the First Ladies of both countries, including visits by Burundi’s First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, to Nigeria and Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to Burundi in 2024 for the High-Level Forum of Women Leaders.

According to him, the sustained diplomatic exchanges reflect the growing partnership between Abuja and Bujumbura and provide a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, regional peace and development.

The celebration attracted members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, development partners and friends of Burundi, underscoring the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between Nigeria and Burundi.