Bujumbura, Burundi – February 20th, 2025: A new market access project for enterprises in Burundi, dubbed UGUSHORA (to sell/export in Kirundi), has been launched to support economic development and job creation in the country by supporting export-oriented investments and businesses. The project is funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Burundi and implemented by the TRAIDE Foundation in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA).
The €1.95 million 2-year initiative will build partnerships between local and Dutch companies, unlock investments and promote innovation in horticulture, fisheries, and essential oils, and enhance market linkages to regional and international market hubs. This is designed to catalyse the global competitiveness of Burundian products by focusing on value chain development in priority sectors, addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and promoting trade facilitation through technical assistance to businesses. The project will also support the harmonisation of private sector initiatives, create a conducive business and investment environment, and strengthen commercial ties to attract regional and international interest in Burundi.
The project aligns with the Government of Burundi’s national development priorities, supporting the country’s vision for socio-economic growth and development by enhancing trade, economic diversification, and job creation, according to Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, H.E. Marie Chantal Nijimbere.
Underscoring the pressing need for such interventions to improve market access for local producers, the minister said: “One of the major barriers our producers, especially the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face is limited market access due to inadequate technology and investment, non-compliance with production standards, inadequate market intelligence, and weak quality control throughout the production chain. These challenges directly impact the competitiveness of ‘Made in Burundi’ products in regional and international markets. The UGUSHORA project will address these issues by facilitating trade, building exporters’ capacity, and improving the competitiveness of Burundian products, ultimately unlocking new market opportunities.”
Ted Hunink, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Netherlands Embassy, highlighted the significance of the project in catalysing the trade and export opportunities for the targeted enterprises in Burundi. “UGUSHORA, meaning ‘to export,’ is a direct response to the call made by the Burundian Government during the investors’ roundtable in December 2024. This initiative reinforces the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Burundi’s economic objectives while expanding its interventions in entrepreneurship, private sector development, and strengthening Burundi’s position in regional and global markets.”
The project will deliver tangible economic benefits, including a 30% increase in export volumes for targeted sectors such as horticulture, fisheries, and essential oils. Additionally, it targets to expand market access for 65% of participating MSMEs and private sector entities involved in export-oriented value chains while also accelerating the digitisation of export processes, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing trade facilitation.
“By empowering the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through trade facilitation and capacity building, UGUSHORA will create jobs, boost incomes, and improve livelihoods of the communities in Burundi,” said Christian Nibasumba, TradeMark Africa’s Burundi Country Representative.
