Unleashing the Hidden Gem: Why ‘Made in Burundi’ Could Be the Key to Unlocking the Country’s Economic Potential
Challenges Facing New Industries in Burundi
External competition and difficulty accessing local and international markets are among the challenges facing new industries in Burundi. This was mentioned by young entrepreneurs who met during the exhibitions organized as part of the 6th edition of the Salon Industriel, held at the Source du Nil hotel in Bujumbura between September 4 and 7, 2024.
External competition is one of the major challenges that concern the industrial sector.
About the Industrial Fair
About 60 industrialists are participating in the exhibitions held between September 4 and 7, 2024, at the Source du Nil hotel in Bujumbura. The theme chosen for the 2024 edition is: “Green industry and export: social commitment and opportunity for decent jobs for young people and women in Burundi”.
Challenges Facing Young Entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs mentioned that external competition is one of the major challenges that is troubling this sector in Burundi. Fabrice, an artist who makes and sells different products at the Bujumbura Living Museum, noted that most Burundians find it difficult to buy locally made products. “What we produce is of higher or equal quality to those from neighboring countries, unfortunately, they are not favored by our citizens,” he explained.
Bella Ahezagiye shares this sentiment. “The Burundians will always tell you that your products are expensive, but they will not hesitate to buy a similar product at double the price, as long as it is imported,” she added. She regrets that this lack of unity pushes even the few young people who dare to start working at a loss.
Access to International Markets
As these young entrepreneurs say, fairs, which are their only opportunities to promote their products locally, do not happen often. “Such opportunities are rare, but they allow us to get together with other entrepreneurs who work in the same fields as us and to exchange experiences,” explains Fabrice.
He notes that they still struggle to access international markets. He suggests giving new companies the opportunity to sell their products at fairs organized abroad. “Lack of financial means to participate physically, sometimes we have to send our products when international fairs are organised. But as you know, no one sells a product better than its manufacturer,” he adds.
Promoting Made in Burundi
During his speech on the second day, to mark the official launch of activities, Mr. Juvénal Sakubu, president of the Burundi Industrialists Association, urged the government to favor national companies in promoting “Made in Burundi”.
“I don’t see why a company operating here in Burundi would import labels or lids, for example, when Burundian companies manufacture them,” said Ms. Christine Niragira, permanent secretary in the ministry responsible for Industry. She suggested that manufacturers work in synergy so that no company imports products that are available locally. According to her, this would make it possible to face external competition and reduce imports, thus reducing the outflow of foreign currency.
This Industrial Fair was organized by the Association of Industrialists of Burundi (AIB), in partnership with the Ministry responsible for Industry, the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB), the Burundi Development Agency (ADB), and African Trademark. It has been sponsored by various companies such as Hope Design, Brarudi, Rudi Paints, Savonor, etc.