The African Development Bank Group's country office in Burundi and the local agencies of the United Nations System (UNS) held a consultation meeting in Bujumbura, on 15 June 2026, aimed at strengthening their collaboration by identifying new avenues for partnership.
Co-chaired by the African Development Bank Group's Country Manager, Mouna Diawara, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Violet Kakyomya, the meeting enabled the heads of UN agencies and experts from Africa's premier finance institution to discuss the Bank's strategic priorities in Burundi and opportunities for coordination with UN programmes. Discussions also focused on the call for proposals issued under the Prevention Component of the 2026 Transition Support Facility, particularly highlighting priority themes and the process for submitting proposals.
"Excellent joint initiatives are currently being implemented in Burundi, reflecting a strong partnership with UN agencies but also presenting an opportunity to draw useful lessons to enhance synergies and the overall impact of our operations," said Diawara.
The meeting participants therefore agreed to strengthen information-sharing and the coordination of their interventions to ensure greater coherence in actions supporting Burundi's national priorities.
The Bank presented its Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2024-2029, the main aim of which is to strengthen Burundi's economic resilience to reduce its fragility and support sustainable and inclusive growth. The first strategic pillar of the CSP is dedicated to the development of agricultural value chains and the strengthening of economic and financial governance. The second pillar focuses on the development of energy and transport infrastructure in Burundi.
Following the discussions, Diawara encouraged the various stakeholders to maintain the excellent momentum of partnership, not only through the structural projects led by the Bank but also through emergency support in response to crises and complementary responses via the mobilisation of resources under the Bank's calls for proposals.
The African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in Burundi comprises 18 projects totalling $507.3 million. Transport infrastructure accounts for 43 per cent of commitments, ahead of agriculture (23 per cent) and energy (19 per cent). The social sectors, water and sanitation, as well as governance and finance, round out the institution's activities in Burundi.
