MUKAZA, March 16 (ABP) – “China remains ready to strengthen the synergy of its five-year plan with the Vision of Burundi, an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060,” reassured Mr. Fang Guoqing, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Burundi.
This statement was made on Friday, December 26, 2025, during the handover ceremony for the solar lighting project on Boulevard Mao Tse-Toung, organized by the Chinese Embassy to Burundi in collaboration with the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation; and the Bujumbura Province, as check on the site by ABP has revealed.
As a reminder, Boulevard Mao Tse-Toung is located in the Mukaza commune. A major thoroughfare in the city, it stretches for 1.2 km and has four lanes of dual carriageway.
In his address, Mr. Fang recalled that the Bujumbura City Council adopted a resolution naming the Boulevard Mao Tse-Toung in 1978. Since then, he continued to say, the boulevard has become a vibrant symbol of the traditional friendship between China and Burundi. He noted that over the years, both the Chinese and Burundian sides have consistently placed great importance on the maintenance and careful preservation of this boulevard.
He also recalled that in July 2023, the President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye traveled to China to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st World University Games in Chengdu, during which he held an important meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and visited Sichuan Province. He added that the two leaders agreed to implement a solar streetlight project in Bujumbura; hence the installation and commissioning of 101 solar streetlights along the boulevard in just 27 days, while creating more than 40 local jobs.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Burundi noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China has been a reliable and consistent partner, supporting Burundi on its path to development. He stated that the solar streetlight project holds particular significance in terms of both transition and continuity. “This modern and sustainable infrastructure represents a significant step in the modernization of our economic capital and is fully aligned with the Burundian government’s vision of promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development,” emphasized Martin Ndayizeye, Permanent Secretary for Water, Mineral Resources, and Energy at the Ministry responsible for Energy Resources.
Mr. Ndayizeye expressed his profound gratitude to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which he described as a strategic partner and loyal friend of Burundi. “This generous support further illustrates the excellent cooperative and friendly relations that unite our two countries,” he underscored, noting that the PRC supports Burundi in several development sectors, including energy, health, agriculture, education, and culture.
According to him, the concrete achievements resulting from Sino-Burundian cooperation demonstrate a sincere partnership focused on the sustainable improvement of the living conditions of the people of Burundi. The newly installed photovoltaic public lighting system not only improves user safety but also beautifies Boulevard Mao Tse-Toung, making it more attractive, modern, and welcoming for both residents and visitors. He noted that it also contributes to the fight against night-time robberies, rapes, and banditry.
He therefore called upon the administration of the Mukaza commune to carefully preserve this infrastructure by ensuring its proper management, regular maintenance, and protection, so that it continues to serve the population sustainably and enhance the image of the country’s economic capital. He took the opportunity to announce that the Burundian government wishes to make a respectful and fraternal appeal to the People’s Republic of China to consider supporting the construction and modernization of the boulevard, specifically to pave it. “Such a project would further enhance the impact of the existing street lighting and significantly improve human mobility and sustainable development,” he explained. Mr. Ndayizeye also requested the acceleration of the rehabilitation procedures for the Mugere hydroelectric power plant, built in 1986, which currently only provides 2 megawatts, whereas it is designed to produce 8 megawatts.
He also indicated that the Ministry in charge of Energy Resources plans to implement the Universal Access to Energy Strategy through Mission 300, which aims to electrify 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including 9 million people in Burundi. This initiative aims to increase access to electricity to over 70% of the Burundian population, requiring a substantial budget of US$3.5 million to be mobilized over the next five years. He stated that this necessitates strong support from bilateral cooperation. He concluded by reiterating Burundi’s firm commitment to working towards mutually beneficial cooperation based on respect, solidarity, and shared development.
Commending, that generous gesture, which is added to the long list of substantial support China has provided to Burundi’s development in various sectors, Florent Nkezabahizi, advisor to the governor of Bujumbura province in charge of economic affairs and development, reminded the residents of Mukaza commune that these lights are the fruit of a strong friendship. “Let us cherish them as a precious asset! May they be not only a tool for progress, but also a lasting symbol of the partnership between Burundi and China!” he added.
It is worth noting that December 21, 2025, marks the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Burundi and China, while December 26, 2025, marks the 132nd anniversary of the birth of Mao Tse-Toung (Mao Zedong), the founder of the People’s Republic of China.