MUKAZA, August 6 (ABP) – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, organized, from August 4 to 26, 2025, the second phase of the training program “Entrepreneurship with Zero External Capital” for 1,500 Burundian youth.
At the launch ceremony, Judicaël Elidje, UNFPA Resident Representative in Burundi, praised the leadership and support of the government in general and in particular that of the ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, as well as the Ministry in charge of Foreign Affairs. He stressed that this support is essential for the transformation of Burundian youth, especially regarding entrepreneurship.
He went on to explain that UNFPA is partnering with this initiative because its mission is to contribute to a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fully realized.
In the same spirit, Judicaël Elidje emphasized that one of the critical issues for African populations, and Burundi in particular, is the employability and economic empowerment of youth. He recalled that, according to the most recent census of population, housing, agriculture, and livestock, 64.2% of the Burundian population is under the age of 25.
“If we want to achieve Vision 2040-2060, it is extremely important and essential to invest massively in this youth, in terms of health, education, and especially employment and entrepreneurship,” he stated emphatically.
He further indicated that the objective of this training is to transform the mindset of young people. It aims to help them believe in themselves and understand that it is possible to start a business or self-employment using the means they already have.
According to Judicaël Elidje, the greatest capital UNFPA invests in is the transformation of young people’s mindsets. This training will also allow businesses and communities to benefit from this new momentum.
Speaking at the event, Séverin Mbarubukeye, permanent secretary at the ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated that this entrepreneurial training will give young people the tools needed to create jobs and help fight unemployment.
He added that the program complements other government initiatives, such as the Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ) and the Youth Investment Bank (BIJE), in order to realize the dream of a country where youth are financially self-reliant.
Regarding expectations for the training, Mr. Mbarubukeye hopes it will enable young people to acquire the skills to undertake business ventures without external capital.
He wishes that, by the end of the program, participants will be equipped to enhance their entrepreneurial abilities, in order to combat unemployment in Burundi and contribute to achieving Vision 2040-2060. This second phase builds upon the training delivered in the first phase.
