Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
Following the official launch of the Diplomatic Week 2026 Edition, organized from June 26 to 30, 2026 under the theme: “Economic Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships: Levers for Achieving the Objectives of the Burundi Vision: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Country by 2060”, by His Excellency Ambassador Dr Edouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, the second stage of the event was devoted to visits to companies and tourist sites.
A guided tour took the diplomatic corps to Afritextile, located on Agriculture Avenue in Bujumbura. This private textile company took over the operations of the former Bujumbura Textile Complex, COTEBU. Its mission is the manufacture and sale of “Kitenge” fabrics, polyester-cotton products, and related items.
Its product range includes: wrappers, flannels, towels and hand towels, school uniforms in cotton, polyester, or cotton-polyester blends, as well as dyed sheets and fabrics for decoration and curtains. Preparatory work began in 2011. Industrial production then started gradually, workshop by workshop, from April 2012. Afritextile has three main workshops: spinning, weaving, and dyeing and printing.
A visit was also conducted to the Tora Tea Complex, a factory located in the commune of Matana. As one of the main processing units of the Burundi Tea Board (OTB), this factory plays a vital role in adding value to national tea production and contributes significantly to the country’s economic and social development.
The delegation then visited the Source of the Nile, located in the commune of Matana. Considered the southernmost source of the White Nile, this historic site was discovered by the German explorer Burkhart Waldecker. The diplomats also visited the pyramid he erected to commemorate his discovery of the Source of the Nile, a monument that attracts many visitors each year.
The journey continued to Karera Falls, where visitors admired an impressive waterfall over 45 meters high. Nearby, they also contemplated a long suspension bridge overlooking a verdant valley, offering exceptional panoramic views of the region’s natural beauty.
At the conclusion of this visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, emphasized the importance of this initiative. According to him, this visit allows diplomats to discover Burundi’s many strengths so that they, in turn, can become ambassadors for Burundi as a destination throughout the world.
The Minister emphasized that diplomacy is not limited to political and economic relations, but also constitutes a powerful tool for tourism promotion. He expressed his conviction that these discoveries will encourage more tourists to visit Burundi and help to showcase the country in a new light: that of a nation rich in exceptional landscapes and natural and cultural heritage.
The visit continued in Gitega province with visits to the Rusi Multipurpose Training Centre and the Umugiraneza Foundation in Kibimba.
During the visit to the Public Center for Polytechnical Training and Professional Retraining (CEFORE-RUSI), located in Rusi, in Shombo commune, Gitega province, the Director General of the Center, Dr. Bonaventure DUSABE, presented the missions of CEFORE-RUSI, created by the Government of Burundi to promote practice-oriented professional training.
The Center is based on four fundamental principles: learning by doing, professional development through practice, valuing acquired experience, and transferring innovative technologies to communities. The Director General indicated that CEFORE-RUSI has already trained more than 1,000 learners, mobilized two development projects, established six functional workshops, cultivates more than 30 hectares of land, maintains four international partnerships, delivers more than twenty training modules, and is developing five operational sectors.
The delegation then traveled to Kibimba, where they visited the projects of the Umugiraneza Foundation, including the Socle du Savoir School and the Umugiraneza Hospital. The visit was led by Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi.
Founded in 2019, the Umugiraneza Foundation works to support vulnerable people while contributing to the socio-economic development of Burundi. Its vision is to build a Burundian organization committed to national development through community-based initiatives founded on respect for human rights, mutual support, education, and the promotion of health for all. Its mission is to carry out humanitarian actions for the most vulnerable populations, promote formal and non-formal education, and improve maternal and child health.
The diplomats also discovered the unique nature of Umugiraneza Hospital, which offers specialized care to couples facing infertility problems.
At the end of this visit, Her Excellency the First Lady thanked the Heads of diplomatic missions for the interest they showed in the Foundation’s achievements.
Speaking in turn, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, commended the First Lady’s leadership and commitment to vulnerable people, particularly women, girls, and impoverished families. He emphasized that the actions of the Umugiraneza Foundation contribute effectively to the implementation of the National Vision of Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.