The International Trade Centre (ITC) is bolstering Burundi’s Vision 2040 aspirations by fostering trade growth through export development, policy support, institutional strengthening, and regional integration. As Burundi strives to transform into a competitive and integrated economy, strong partnerships remain essential for expanding opportunities and driving sustainable development.
During a recent visit to Bujumbura, ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo participated in the COMESA summit, where she engaged with regional leaders and business representatives on strategies to create value chains, particularly in intra-African tourism. Emphasizing tourism as a vital export sector, Tembo noted that it requires similar support to other trade sectors.
The visit included discussions with Burundi’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Marie Chantal Njimbere, focusing on enhancing quality standards, growing the services sector, and strengthening integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key national institutions, including the Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN), Coffee Regulatory Authority (ODECA), and Agricultural Research Institute (ISABU), are benefiting from ITC’s MARKUP I&II programs, which offer technical assistance, equipment, and capacity-building support. A recent milestone for Burundi’s Quality Infrastructure System saw the accreditation of the Soil and Food Products Laboratory (LASPA) and BBN’s Chemistry Laboratory, boosting local exporters’ access to international markets.
These initiatives align with Burundi’s goals to develop sectors such as coffee, tea, and avocado while empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional trade. Tembo highlighted the critical role of building institutional capacity to enhance export standards and competitiveness as part of Burundi’s trade transformation journey.
