GITEGA, Oct 16 (ABP) – The National Platform for Risk Prevention and Disaster Management (PFR-PRGC), with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), organized a national workshop on emergency telecommunications in the event of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, held from October 14 to 16, 2025, in Gitega (the political capital and center of Burundi), an onsite check by ABP has revealed.
This workshop was organized with the aim of strengthening national resilience in the face of disasters and emergencies through the development of a national emergency telecommunications system to ensure rapid and effective coordination during times of crisis.
In her opening remarks, the representative of the ministry of finance, budget, and digital economy, Ms. Francine Inarukundo, stated that natural disasters and various crises, whether climatic, health-related, or technological, continue to test the resilience of societies. She pointed out that these events disrupt the country’s economy, weaken infrastructure, and endanger thousands of lives.
Ms. Inarukundo went on explaining that the vision of the government of Burundi, an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060, places information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the core of the country’s transformation and of its strengthened resilience to crises. It is within this framework, she said, that the development of emergency telecommunications is seen as a key pillar of this strategy. She clarified that it aims to strengthen the digital preparedness and resilience of public and private institutions and telecommunications operators; to ensure the interoperability of communication systems between public, humanitarian, and private actors; and to promote innovative technological solutions, notably through the use of satellite networks, early warning systems, and digital coordination platforms to guarantee an effective and coordinated response in the event of disasters.
Finally, Ms. Inarukundo called on all participants to fully embrace the exchanges during this workshop. She explained that building an effective, inclusive, and sustainable national emergency telecommunications system will depend on the efforts of the government, the private sector, regulators, and technical and humanitarian partners.
Note that during these three days, participants will deepen their understanding of the institutional and technical framework for emergency management in Burundi; adopt international best practices in coordination, interoperability, and communication continuity during crises; and contribute to drafting the terms of reference for the establishment of the National Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.