NTAHANGWA, April 13 (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi and current chairperson of the African Union, Evariste Ndayishimiye, returned to the country on Friday, April 10, 2026, after a state visit to Ethiopia.
According to the deputy spokesperson for the President of the Republic, Sébastien Ntahongendera, the visit was part of efforts to exchange experiences and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Upon his arrival, the Burundian Head of State visited several strategic sites, he added. Among them was the Soufflet Malt factory, which specializes in the production of malt, an essential raw material used in the manufacture of beverages, including certain liquors such as whisky. He added that the visit enabled President Ndayishimiye to explore opportunities for strategic partnerships aimed at supporting economic transformation and strengthening agricultural value chains.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Head of State held talks with the Ethiopian minister of defense, Ms. Aysha Mohamed Mussa. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest, particularly within the regional framework. Both parties also praised the exemplary collaboration between the Burundian and Ethiopian armies in peacekeeping and security missions in Somalia.
President Ndayishimiye also visited the Jay-Jay textile production unit, which specializes in fabric manufacturing, as well as the Addis Ababa Science Museum, a major institution dedicated to science, technology, and innovation.
Upon arrival at the museum, he was welcomed by interactive projections illustrating applications of artificial intelligence, particularly in the medical and agricultural fields, especially for the prevention of human diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as those affecting crops.
Regarding environmental protection, the Ethiopian experience in combating pollution, particularly through reforestation and tree-planting policies, particularly attracted the attention of the Burundian president.
Continuing his program, Evariste Ndayishimiye paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Memorial, where he laid a wreath in honor of the Ethiopian forces who triumphed in the 1896 battle against Italian troops, a powerful symbol of resistance and sovereignty.
Concluding his mission, he visited an industrial park bringing together several production units, notably in the sectors of coffee (from production to export), construction, glass, iron, and textiles. These infrastructures illustrate Ethiopia’s national policy focused on reducing imports and promoting industrial development.
On that occasion, several memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries, covering key sectors such as water, electricity, health, education, defense, and the digital industry.
The visit concluded with an official dinner hosted by the Ethiopian Prime Minister at the National Palace, the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, during which the Burundian president delivered an address for the occasion, Mr. Ntahongendera revealed.