BUJUMBURA, February 27th (ABP) – The manufacture of toilet soaps is a trade that provides a living for young people and can contribute to achieving the national vision of “Burundi as an emerging country in 2040 and a developed country in 2060”, said Mr. Ntakirutimana Jean Bosco, Administrative and Financial Director of the Union of Young People Committed to Self-Development (UJEAD Akeza), during a field visit by ABP on Monday 10 February 2024.
The Union of Young People Committed to Self-Development (UJEAD Akeza) is a company involved in the manufacture of solid or liquid toilet soap, as well as cosmetic products made from natural products grown in Burundi, including carrots, lemons, curcumas, etc.
According to Mr Ntakirutimana, UJEAD Akeza began its activities in 2016. Despite its bankruptcy, the dream remained, revived in 2019, with the innovation of treating neglected skin diseases and spots caused by industrial cosmetics.
“At the beginning, we had a challenge related to the formulation of soaps in order to obtain a product that was effective for human health”, says Mr Ntakirutimana. Financial resources were also a challenge, but as committed young people we were able to overcome it.
“Today, it is difficult to obtain supplies of raw materials due to the lack of foreign currency and fuel.
Mr. Ntakirutimana encourages young people to believe in their potential to fulfil their dreams and develop the country.
What’s more, the Burundian population should make the most of locally produced products, since the benefit is reciprocal in that farmers also gain by selling their produce.
UJEAD Akeza is one of the associations supported by PAEEJ to promote innovation and local businesses.