The Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the spirit of African solidarity, mutual partnership and shared prosperity.
Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital during a press conference on the state of cooperation between the two countries, the Ambassador disclosed that Burundi has put in place measures aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with a focus on air connectivity, energy cooperation, investment, and cultural exchange.
“Burundi is a stable country, open for business, and committed to improving its investment climate. It constitutes a strategic gateway to the East African Community market and offers numerous opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. We invite economic operators from the West African region in general, and Nigeria in particular, to explore these opportunities and to establish lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships“, he said
The Ambassador said the relations between Burundi and Nigeria remain cordial and are built on mutual respect, Pan-Africanism and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
He noted that diplomatic ties between the two countries have grown steadily since the opening of Burundi’s embassy in Nigeria in 2006 and Nigeria’s embassy in Burundi in 2007.
According to the Ambassador, Burundi, under the leadership of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, has maintained political stability, improved governance, and sustained national reconciliation, creating a favorable environment for investment and internationals partnerships.
Highlighting major developments, he disclosed ongoing engagements with top Nigerian business figures, including Aliko Dangote and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed at unlocking investment in fertilizers, energy, and industrial production.
“These engagements are part of Burundi’s long-term vision to become an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060,” he said.
The Envoy also confirmed plans for new industrial projects, including fertilizer production and the construction of factories in Ogun and Nasarawa States, alongside strategic infrastructure such as the proposed Rubirizi Dry Port.
“Burundi is expanding exports to Nigeria, with tea, leather, and agricultural products gaining traction. Notably, over 20 containers of cowhide were exported to Kano State in 2025, while discussions are ongoing to introduce Burundian tea into the Nigerian market“, he said
Speaking on the importance of improving transport links between the two nations, Nduwimana emphasized that aviation remains a critical driver of economic integration.
“Air transport plays an essential role in bringing people closer together and promoting economic and commercial exchanges. Investing in this sector requires taking into account several parameters, including route profitability and technical partnerships” he said.
The envoy disclosed that efforts are underway to bridge the connectivity gap through partnerships between Burundi Airlines and Bellagio Airlines.
“ We have facilitated contact between Burundi’s national airline, Burundi Airlines, and Nigeria’s Bellagio Airlines, which are currently exploring partnership opportunities. In our view, since Burundi has many products to export, cargo transport would be more advantageous“, he said
Speaking on energy cooperation, the ambassador commended for Nigeria’s longstanding support through crude oil supplies, which began in 2008. While acknowledging the suspension of the arrangement in 2014, Nduwimana voiced optimism about its revival.
“This support has helped mitigate the effects of the energy deficit in my country. Burundi remains convinced that Nigeria will be able to consider resuming this cooperation in a spirit of mutually beneficial partnership,” he said
Ambassador Nduwimana further explained that Burundi offers numerous opportunities for Nigerian investors in key sectors including agriculture, and many more, stressing that both countries possess complementary economic strengths that can be better utilised through deeper cooperation.
“Burundi offers a wide range of investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture and agro-industry, energy and hydrocarbons, mining and infrastructure, telecommunications and innovation, tourism, and more. Burundi has established incentives for investors such as tax exemptions on imported agricultural equipment, a one-stop-shop system that allows a company to be registered within a single day, and facilities for repatriating dividends, among others, ” he explained.
Beyond economic ties, he noted that cooperation between both countries also extends to Cultural diplomacy, education and security, and both nations are working together to deepen engagements.
“Cultural cooperation is a fundamental pillar in bringing peoples closer together. Burundi and Nigeria possess rich cultural heritage that deserves to be further promoted. We intend to strengthen cultural exchanges through participation in festivals, the promotion of arts and music, and the development of partnerships between cultural institutions in our countries”
On security, Ambassador Nduwimana reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to tackling terrorism and transnational crime.
” Burundi and Nigeria share a common commitment to combating terrorism and transnational crime through cooperation, experience sharing, and strengthening the capacities of their defense and security forces. Nigeria has extensive and rich experience in peacekeeping missions at regional, continental, and international levels. This expertise represents a significant asset for the continent and a lever for cooperation with countries such as Burundi, which is also experienced and committed to peace, “ he noted
Addressing global economic concerns, Nduwimana warned that international conflicts, including tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, are having ripple effects on African economies. He urged African nations to respond through stronger cooperation and investment in renewable energy.
“This conflict indirectly affects my country through rising prices of imported goods and an increase in the cost of living for households. No power in the world can ever extinguish the sun, a source of energy that Africa has in abundance,” he said.
He called on Nigerian investors and economic operators to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Burundi, describing the country as an emerging market with strong growth potential.
Also,the ambassador expressed high expectations for the upcoming second session of the Permanent Mixed Commission for Cooperation, between Burundi and Nigeria, which he said would help strengthen bilateral relations and deliver concrete results in trade, education, tourism and agro-industrial development.
On the economic front, Nigeria continues to play a vital role in Burundi’s development aspirations. While trade between both nations is growing, calling for stronger collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, telecommunications, and tourism.
The press conference underscored Burundi’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, positioning both countries to benefit from expanded economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.