Powering Progress: Unleashing the Transformative Impact of Industries
- Delphin Kaze, general manager of KAGE: "abolishing VAT on gas or briquettes would reduce the use of coal and therefore preserve the environment"
- Anticipating climate risks, investing in new sources of renewable energy and establishing waste management systems from industries, among others, are climate resilience initiatives that manufacturers must adopt to...
- According to Kaze, the industrial revolution led to more environmental pollution, which justifies the central role of industries in implementing solutions to protect the environment and promote climate...
Burundian Industries Must Promote Innovation in Environmental Protection
Burundian industries must promote innovation in environmental protection. They must anticipate climate risks by adopting waste management strategies and ecological solutions. The government of Burundi, for its part, must encourage ecological investments by implementing support measures.
Delphin Kaze, general manager of KAGE: “abolishing VAT on gas or briquettes would reduce the use of coal and therefore preserve the environment”
Climate Resilience Initiatives for Manufacturers
Anticipating climate risks, investing in new sources of renewable energy and establishing waste management systems from industries, among others, are climate resilience initiatives that manufacturers must adopt to promote the green economy. Delphin Kaze, Managing Director of Kaze Green Economy, drew attention to this at the industrial fair.
According to Kaze, the industrial revolution led to more environmental pollution, which justifies the central role of industries in implementing solutions to protect the environment and promote climate resilience. He refers to the Rundi proverb “Uwaroze niwe arogora” to illustrate the responsibility of industries in environmental degradation while emphasizing that they must not neglect the operation of depollution systems.
The Consequences of Climate Change in Burundi
“In Burundi, the harmful effects of climate change include landslides, floods, drought and destruction of infrastructure,” Mr Kaze underlined, recalling the damage caused by the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika. “These effects lead to a shortage of natural resources necessary for the proper functioning of industries,” he added, showing that the consequences can also affect the manufacturers themselves.
According to him, climate change is particularly affecting the agri-food industries. Climate resilience is the ability of communities and businesses to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
Promoting Innovation to Predict Climate Risks
In order to anticipate climate risks, Mr Kaze recommends the adoption of new technologies, including the establishment of efficient irrigation systems to mitigate the damage caused by drought. It also draws attention to the urgency of investing in new sources of renewable energy, such as solar energy, which could replace hydroelectric energy if water resources were to run out in dams.
Government Action is Essential
According to Kaze, if companies must innovate to promote the green economy, the government must support ecological solutions adopted by manufacturers. This includes implementing waste management strategies and encouraging investment in green industry.
Mr. Kaze also highlights the importance of implementing green investment tools, as is done in other countries in the East African Community. ”In other countries, benefits are offered to green investors. Most EAC states have adopted the ‘climate commitment’, an initiative created to determine the benefits to be given to those who invest in the green economy. What about us? », he asks.
Reducing Taxes on Eco-Friendly Products
Reducing taxes on products that replace environmentally destructive equipment would help preserve Burundian space. According to him, the coal industry is one of the causes responsible for environmental degradation that the Burundi government is struggling to control.
He recommends removing VAT on gas and cooking briquettes, so that Burundians can adopt these products instead of charcoal. “Kenya is an example for Burundi to follow,” he underlines, mentioning that this country has removed VAT on gas, which has led to a notable increase in its use.
