Burundi Woos Nigerian Investors, Targets Stronger Economic Partnership at 64th Independence Celebration

By Iyojo Ameh

Burundi has intensified efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations with Nigeria, inviting Nigerian investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in its economy as it celebrated the 64th anniversary of its independence in Abuja.

The country’s Ambassador to Nigeria used the occasion to showcase Burundi’s economic reforms, political stability and ambitious development agenda, describing the East African nation as an attractive destination for investment.

Addressing diplomats, government officials and members of the international community, the envoy said Burundi was charting a new course of peace, reconciliation and sustainable development under the leadership of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who currently serves as Chairperson of the African Union.

He said this year’s Independence Day celebration, themed “Let us love our country and make it loved by others,” reflected the government’s commitment to patriotism, unity, responsible leadership and national development.

“Our vision is to transform Burundi into an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060,” the ambassador said, noting that the country has made remarkable progress in governance, institution-building and economic reforms since 2005.

The envoy said Nigerian companies had already begun investing in Burundi, a development he described as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s improving business climate.

He called on more Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure and the digital economy, assuring them of a peaceful and stable investment environment backed by ongoing reforms.

According to him, Burundi now sees independence not merely as political freedom but as the responsibility to build strong institutions, sustain peace, drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Babagana Wakil, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Burundi.
He congratulated the Burundian government and people on their Independence Day, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, democracy and self-determination.

Wakil said relations between Nigeria and Burundi have continued to deepen through cooperation within the African Union, regional initiatives and sustained high-level diplomatic engagements.

He recalled that President Évariste Ndayishimiye visited Nigeria twice in 2023—first to attend the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and later to participate in the ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the crisis in Niger Republic in his capacity as African Union Chairperson.

He also highlighted exchanges involving the First Ladies of both countries, including the visits of Burundi’s First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, to Abuja for African First Ladies Peace Mission meetings and the reciprocal visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Burundi in 2024 for the High-Level Forum of Women Leaders.

Wakil said the exchanges underscored the growing friendship between both countries and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, regional peace, security and sustainable development.

The anniversary celebration brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and the Burundian community in Nigeria to commemorate Burundi’s independence and reinforce the longstanding ties between both nations.