GITEGA, April 9 (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, held a meeting in the aft ernoon of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with representatives of public sector trade unions at the presidential palace in Gitega (political capital and center of Burundi). They discussed the promotion of social dialogue as an essential lever for national development.
In his speech, the Head of State indicated that the meeting aimed at establishing a framework for direct consultation between the State, as employer, and workers.
The objective was to jointly identify the factors likely to stimulate the country’s economic progress. He emphasized that national prosperity largely depends on the commitment of workers, an essential condition for achieving the vision of an emerging Burundi by 2040 and a developed one by 2060.
President Ndayishimiye also specified that that initiative was taken following a request from trade union representatives, who wished to engage in frank dialogue with the highest authorities. He reassured that the exchanges were part of an ongoing process of evaluating progress, analyzing persistent challenges, and defining actions to be undertaken to accelerate the country’s development.
Calling for inclusive and constructive dialogue, the Head of State invited participants to review achievements in labor relations, identify shortcomings, and consolidate the progress already made. He stressed the need for regular monitoring of agreed actions through periodic evaluations.
Moreover, he urged social actors to demonstrate open-mindedness and to formulate concrete proposals, particularly regarding the harmonization of salaries within the framework of the national wage po licy. Acknowledging certain shortcomings in this area, he called for appropriate adjustments.
The President of the Republic also recalled that every Burundian contributes, in their own way, to the national economy, emphasizing that the State belongs to everyone. He stressed the importance of everyone’s involvement in productive activities as a guarantee of collective growth.
Note that the meeting continued behind closed doors.