Overview
Burundi is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region and one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, with more than 13 million inhabitants. Burundi has a rich cultural heritage and large natural resources. Despite its potential in the mining, agricultural and tourism sectors, the country faces institutional and socio-economic fragility and challenges when it comes to its growing population, low-skilled workforce, the matching of labour supply and demand, its business environment and infrastructure.
Burundi’s economy is mostly dependent on the agricultural sector. Its economic development is however constrained by the country’s high population pressure, the lack of economic reforms, and the long-term impact of the civil war (1993-2000).
Our partnership
The EU’s partnership with Burundi is grounded in the Global Gateway strategy, and supports the country’s National Plan for the Development of Burundi (2018-2027) to implement Burundi’s vision, "Emerging country in 2040 and developed country in 2060." The NDP has an overall objective of transforming structurally the Burundian economy for strong, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth, creating decent jobs for all.
The partnership aims to leverage the country’s human and natural potential. It supports the country’s efforts towards inclusive, green, and sustainable growth; human development and the provision of basic services such as education and healthcare; and good governance and the rule of law. These efforts aim to address Burundi’s socio-economic challenges while unlocking its potential for long-term development.
Team Europe in Burundi brings together the EU, the European Investment Bank, Belgium, France, Netherland, and Germany.
Through the EU’s Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), the EU allocated €194 million in grant funding to the partnership with Burundi over 2021-24. The envelope for the period 2025-27, is €90 million. Burundi also benefits from several multi-country EU programmes.
EU-Burundi partnership programming documents can be found in the 'Related documents' section below.
Our key initiatives
- Agri-food systems, climate and environment
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Burundi’s economy. The EU is committed to partnering with Burundi to promote sustainable practices and enhance value chains, improving food security and livelihoods. This includes:
- Restoring soil fertility and supporting climate-resilient farming.
- Developing agricultural value chains, focusing on key crops like coffee and bananas.
- Managing natural resources sustainably and protecting biodiversity.
- Health
Improving access to quality healthcare is a key priority for the EU in Burundi. The EU partners with Burundi to strengthen the health system, enhance healthcare delivery, and address malnutrition and reproductive health issues by focusing on:
- Strengthening health services through performance-based financing.
- Integrating mental health into primary healthcare.
- Integrating healthcare structures in the field of family planning.
- Addressing gender inequalities hindering the right to health and access to care.
- Providing training to healthcare workers, including digital skills development for teachers, students and hospital staff.
- Education and vocational training
Education and vocational training are crucial for building human capital and creating opportunities for young people in Burundi. Our common efforts focus on:
- Supporting governance to implement national education plans.
- Equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship through vocational training.
- Providing young professionals with private sector support.
- Enhancing access to quality education for all.
- Energy
Expanding access to energy and increasing sustainable electricity production are vital for Burundi’s development. The EU partners with Burundi on:
- Boosting electricity production through hydropower projects such as Jiji and Mulembwe.
- Providing access to electricity in urban and rural areas through specific electrification programmes.
- Promoting mini-grinds and solar energy solutions in rural households.
- Improving sector governance and encouraging private sector investment.
- Access to regional markets
Improving Burundi’s access to regional markets is crucial for fostering economic growth and integration. The EU partners with Burundi to develop infrastructure, enhance trade, and improve market accessibility by:
- Developing water transport with a 360 degree approach (Tanganyika and Kivu Water Management programme – TAKIWAMA).
- Further developing the Port of Bujumbura to create a climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Supporting trade facilitation and regional integration to enhance the competitiveness of Burundian products in key value chains.
- Migration
Addressing migration challenges and supporting displaced populations are central to the EU’s engagement in Burundi. Our common efforts focus on:
- Supporting the reintegration of returnees and protecting displaced populations.
- Addressing forced displacement and its impacts through regional initiatives.
- Governance, gender equality and human rights
- Strengthening governance and the rule of law is essential for stability and development in Burundi. The EU supports Burundi’s efforts to promote democracy, improve justice systems, and enhance economic governance.
- Gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence are key priorities for the EU. The EU partners with Burundi to empower women and address violence through targeted support and advocacy.