The Burundian government has publicly lauded China for its extensive support across multiple sectors, which is helping Burundi realize its long-term development goals: to become an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. The praise came during celebrations for the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese embassy in Burundi’s capital.
Syldie Manirerekana, assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, said China’s assistance aligns closely with both African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Burundi highlighted numerous projects under Chinese cooperation, including the Ntare House presidential palace, a pilot agricultural research center aimed at food security, the Ruzibazi hydropower dam, Mpanda regional hospital, a higher teacher-training school, and a technical and vocational school.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jiangping emphasized this year’s marks 62 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and pointed out that projects like the modernization of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport and the construction of a new Ministry of Foreign Affairs building are advancing “satisfactorily.”
Burundi also recently exported its first shipment of coffee to China under a zero-tariff arrangement, another step in expanding market access.
Manirerekana urged that China’s development model, a rapid progress through infrastructure growth, agriculture modernization, and a focus on human capacity should be viewed not with suspicion but as an opportunity for shared learning.
