CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE ROUND TABLE
In November 2021, the Government of Burundi organized a National Development Forum that brought together, among others, representatives from the public administration, the private sector, universities, local bilateral and multilateral partners, the diaspora, and civil society organizations. Following this, a mini-roundtable with these same partners, joined by foreign non-governmental organizations working in Burundi, was organized in December of the same year. Drawing on the conclusions reached at these two events, the Government developed and adopted the Vision document “Burundi, an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.” The goal of this vision is to make Burundi a prosperous nation through a sustained increase in the production of goods and services, and structural changes leading to improved life expectancy, the satisfaction of basic needs, and the reduction of inequality, unemployment, and poverty in all its dimensions. Following the adoption of the Vision for an emerging Burundi country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060, the Government then began revising the 2018-2027 National Development Plan to align it with the Vision’s objectives, transforming it into a true National Transformation Strategy. This strategy will serve as the first programmatic phase for implementing the Vision through its 2023-2027 Priority Action Program (PAP). The total amount of the revised NDP is 85,704.8 billion BIF (approximately 29.9 billion USD), which will be financed by the Government of Burundi, development partners, and the private sector. To address the funding gap and create the conditions for realizing its vision, Burundi plans to hold a resource mobilization roundtable from December 5th to 6th, 2024.
These activities will take place on December 5th and 6th, 2024, at the National Assembly of Burundi, in the AGATEKA Hall, and were opened by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Burundi, Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Objectif global de la table Ronde:
The overall objective of the round table is to share the Government’s Vision for the socio-economic development of Burundi, as well as the planned and ongoing reforms, in order to mobilize all stakeholders and the financial resources necessary for the implementation of this Vision.
Specific objectives of the round table
More specifically, the organization of the Round Table aims to:
1) Share the main directions of the Burundi Vision: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Country by 2060;
2) Present the Revised National Development Plan (2018-2027), its Priority Action Plan, and the financial resources necessary for its implementation;
3) Communicate to partners the important ongoing and upcoming reforms aimed at strengthening economic growth, public financial management, and human capital development.
4) Encourage commitments, particularly through the announcement and confirmation of funding agreements by various partners.
5) Strengthen partnerships between the Government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society;
FOMI was represented by the Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Siridi Bizimana (PhD).
It wasn’t only FOMI that participated in this noble activity; other sister subsidiaries of FOMI (within the ITRACOM HOLDING ecosystem) were also represented.
During a discussion among private investors, including FOMI, moderated by Ms. Marie Chantal NIJIMBERE, Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, she reminded them that all investors must adhere to the guidelines and/or objectives set by the Burundian government to ensure progress toward an emerging Burundi. Dr. Siridie BIZIMANA, Director of Research at FOMI
He presented a summary of projects that are already underway at FOMI, especially the expansion of organo-mineral fertilizer production plants, which is a major contributing factor to boosting agricultural production in Burundi and consequently achieving the country’s vision before 2040.
It should be noted that the second day was marked by various panels which were concluded by commitments from private investors who presented their projects and related budgets.
Before closing, the President of the Republic, H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, delivered his speech in which he thanked Almighty God for facilitating this noble activity, the “Round Table,” where participants discussed topics related to economic growth aimed at achieving an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in the Round Table and offered special thanks to General Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, who graced the event with his presence.
He reiterated that mobilizing funds to successfully achieve the set objective is not a matter of numbers, but rather a matter of strong commitment and goodwill from public and private investors. He urged participants to move forward with the implementation of their commitments and wished everyone a safe return. He noted that with this renewed commitment, Burundi confirms its position as a key player in regional and global cooperation, while remaining true to its objective of making the 2040-2060 Agenda a tangible reality for the well-being of its citizens.
The Round Table concluded at 3:00 PM on December 6, 2024, with a prayer and the national anthem, BURUNDI BWACU BURUNDI BUHIRE.
Long live FOMI, long live Burundi!