MWARO, April 24 (ABP) – The culture of Burundi is considered a pillar of development and a historical wealth of the country. This national history indeed consti tutes the foundation upon which the future is built.
These remarks were made by Aline Munyaneza, Director General at the ministry in charge of sports and culture, during the opening speech of an exhibition and debate dedicated to the importance of cultural motifs inherited from ancestors. This exhibition and debate took place at the Kirambi eco-cultural center at Miganda, in the commune of Mwaro, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Ms. Munyaneza also called on cultural specialists to combine their efforts to preserve Burundian cultural identity and make it a true foundation for development.
During the exhibition and debate, Director General Munyaneza indicated that Burundians express their thoughts through various forms of expression, notably hand gestures and other artistic practices reflecting their worldview.
She nevertheless regretted that this cultural wealth is often neglected due to a lack of knowledge and promotion.
She praised the initiative of the Kirambi eco-cultural heritage foundation by Perpétue Miganda, supported by Switzerland, while calling for collective commitment to promote this heritage. According to her, experts must join efforts to turn this traditional knowledge into a genuine lever for development, in line with the national vision.
This heritage notably includes the making of handicrafts, pottery, traditional dances, as well as the practice of ancient instruments such as the inanga or the umuduri, among others.
During the discussions, participa nts raised the issue of youth employability in this sector.
Specialists responded that these professions can constitute a viable source of income, provided there is passion and seriousness invested in them. They also emphasized that some practitioners have already succeeded in establishing themselves, including internationally.
Among the cultural experts were Sadiki Elie, Denis Bukuru, a lecturer at the University of Burundi, Liboire Kagabo, a former lecturer at the same university, Adolphe Ntibasharira, a recognized expert in the field of drums, Pierre Claver Mukarabe, a lecturer at the Higher Teacher Training School, as well as Emmanuel Nengo, president of the association “Let Us Unite for the Promotion of the Batwa” (UNIPROBA).