02/04/2026
Flashback ⏪
Two weeks ago, Brussels hosted a strategic dialogue on a key issue: the future of agricultural value chains in Burundi.
———————————————————————————————
On March 19, 2026, at the initiative of ITRACOM Holding, a high-level roundtable brought together public decision-makers, European institutions, financial partners, and academic experts in a setting conducive to open and forward-looking discussions.
More than just a meeting, this event marked a turning point — reflecting Burundi’s determination to position agriculture as a cornerstone of sustainable, inclusive, and sovereign growth.
🌱 A clear ambition: transforming the agricultural sector
In a rapidly evolving global context, one conclusion stood out: Burundi’s agricultural potential is significant, but unlocking it requires concrete and coordinated action.
Four key priorities emerged:
âś… Align public and private strategies with international cooperation frameworks
âś… Mobilize innovative financing to support scaling efforts
✅ Accelerate technology transfer (seeds, soil health, climate-smart agriculture…)
âś… Strengthen access to regional and international markets
🤝 High-level stakeholders engaged
The quality of the dialogue reflected the caliber of its participants.
Among them were André Flahaut, Belgian Minister of State, Hilde Vautmans, Vice-Chair of the OACPS-EU delegation, as well as representatives of the Burundian government, including Leonard Butoyi.
Alongside European institutions, financial partners, and academic actors, ITRACOM Holding — represented by its CEO Dr. Théodore Mbazumutima and Director of Research and Innovation Elias Niyongabo — articulated a structured and ambitious vision for agro-industrial transformation.
đź’ˇ Financing & innovation: scaling impact
Two key pillars shaped the discussions:
âś… Agronomic innovation and climate resilience
âś… Financing mechanisms (blended finance, guarantees, insurance) to enhance project bankability
🚀 Towards a new trajectory
Beyond the discussions, this roundtable laid the foundations for a shared roadmap: agricultural infrastructure, seed systems, financing, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
But the stakes go further.
Burundi is redefining its economic narrative — one rooted in production, innovation, and regional integration, aligned with the ambitions of Vision Burundi 2040–2060.
In Brussels, that day, one conviction became clear:
Burundian agriculture is no longer just a sector — it is a strategy.
Présidence - République du Burundi Ministère des Affaires Étrangères de la République du Burundi Enabel au Burundi World Bank Africa African Development Bank Group IFC Africa UN Women Burundi KCB Bank Burundi LTD fans