MUKAZA, October 8 (ABP) – The Prime Minister, Nestor Ntahontuye, held a meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Bujumbura, with local administrators, agricultural sector officials, and investors in the farming sector to discuss how to strengthen these sectors for abundant production and subsequent export.
In his welcoming remarks, the governor of Bujumbura province, Aloys Ndayikengurukiye, stated that the majority of the population depends on agriculture and livestock. Those living in Bujumbura also work in this sector because, he added, it plays a crucial role in the country’s development.
He specified that the main challenge is that many farmers use outdated technologies. He called for the use of modern agricultural technologies, especially by deploying the necessary tools to irrigate fields during the dry season.
In his speech, Minister Ntahontuye noted that development does not exist without valuing and working on the subsoil. To achieve this, he proposed transforming subsistence agriculture into commercial agriculture to develop the country and generate foreign currency. He also called on investors to contribute and work in the country to promote development. Ntahontuye assured that the government contributes more than 60% to strengthen the farming sector.
“The challenge is that investors have not placed their investments in the subsoil. They are not interested in processing agricultural products. They only plan to build buildings and shops instead of working in the agricultural sector to benefit from land titles,” he deplored, noting that the government continues to grant exemptions to those who want to engage in agriculture and livestock farming.
For those requesting loans, he continued, the government commits to paying the interest for three months so they can continue their projects. “As for importing seeds or livestock, for example, they will not pay taxes,” he assured.
The government of Burundi also wishes for investors to place their investments in beekeeping, with each owning 100 hives. “The importation of honey is shocking when we have usable forests,” he noted, also calling on investors to raise at least 500 pigs, 300 rabbits, or 100 cows to multiply production for export. He also asked investors to plan for at least 42 farms in livestock farming and establish seed centers to develop the country. Ntahontuye urged agricultural sector officials to raise awareness among the population about contour farming to prevent soil erosion.
Minister Ntahontuye also called for awareness about the use of electronic billing machines to fight fraud related to purchases. “Without an invoice, there are a thousand ways to steal from the customer,” he said, reminding the population to always ask suppliers for invoices because, he warned, anyone caught without one will have to pay 20% of their goods’ value.
He also reminded people to practice hygiene and sanitation in their localities, protect the environment, and preserve human health. “Those who ignore these practices will be fined,” he revealed, before asking everyone to contribute to the fight against diseases caused by dirty hands.
During this meeting, participants emphasized the practice of hygiene and sanitation, while proposing vigilance in community work. The disposal of waste in market dumps was also discussed. They also suggested improving tourist sites to attract visitors. Pig farmers took advantage of the occasion to request vaccines to combat pig diseases.
Responding to these requests, the minister of environment, agriculture, and livestock, Calinie Mbarushimana, who was also present, said the ministry will try to find solutions so that farmers do not work at a loss. In the agricultural sector, she added, the ministry also plans to promote local selected seeds to achieve overproduction for export and generate foreign currency, aiming to reach the 2040-2060 vision.