Mr. Nduwayo emphasized the importance of youth engagement in entrepreneurship and resilience in the face of challenges. He encouraged collaboration with institutions such as BIJE (Youth Investment Bank) and PAEEJ (Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program), which offer financial support, training, and support for young entrepreneurs, to ensure their success and economic empowerment.
For example, the PAEEJ offers training and supervision in business management so that young people can launch into viable and sustainable projects. BIJE, for its part, offers financing and support for the export of local products according to international standards. This shows a real desire on the part of the government to transform economic challenges into growth opportunities for young people.
“This forum thus made it possible to highlight the necessary collaboration with partners such as the UNDP (United Nations Development Program), which supports programs aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for a more inclusive future, in order to “to contribute to the realization of the vision of Burundi, an emerging country in 2040 and developed in 2060,” insisted Jean Claude Nduwayo.
According to the Director General of OBEM, these interventions demonstrate an ambitious vision of the government, to create an environment favorable to the employment of young Burundians and to promote an entrepreneurial culture, which values innovation and the creation of local values. .
Despite these efforts, several challenges remain, he said. This includes financing, which remains a major obstacle, as many young entrepreneurs encounter difficulty obtaining credit from commercial banks. In addition, young people often lack guarantees and resources to maintain their projects in the long term, which endangers the sustainability of the businesses created.
The lack of access to international markets as well as the low level of management and innovation skills are also challenges that hinder the entrepreneurial growth of young Burundians, according to the Director General of OBEM.
Participants in this forum also recognized that Burundi has significant potential to develop youth entrepreneurship, supported by innovative programs and targeted training. However, they stressed that to maximize the impact of these initiatives, structural reforms and increased support for young entrepreneurs are necessary.
And to specify that by overcoming existing obstacles, the country will be able to make the most of the dynamism of its youth, thus contributing to more inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mr. Nduwayo
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mr. Nduwayo! It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss such an important topic—youth engagement in entrepreneurship. Your insights are invaluable, especially in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.
Mr. Nduwayo: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to shed some light on how we can actively involve our youth in shaping the economic future of our nation.
Time.news Editor: You’ve emphasized the importance of youth engagement in entrepreneurship. Why is this engagement so vital at this moment?
Mr. Nduwayo: The youth are the backbone of any society; they bring innovation, energy, and resilience. In today’s challenges, we need young minds to not just survive but thrive. Their involvement can lead to transformative ideas and sustainable solutions that can address both local and global challenges.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. You mentioned organizations like BIJE and PAEEJ. How do their initiatives support young entrepreneurs specifically?
Mr. Nduwayo: Great question! Both institutions play a crucial role. PAEEJ focuses on providing training and supervision in business management, which equips young people with the necessary skills to launch sustainable projects. On the other hand, BIJE offers financing and support tailored for the export of local products, ensuring they meet international standards. This dual approach not only encourages entrepreneurship but also enhances the economic integration of our youth.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising! The collaboration with institutions like the UNDP is also significant. Can you elaborate on how this partnership enhances these programs?
Mr. Nduwayo: Definitely. The partnership with UNDP is pivotal. They bring international expertise and resources that strengthen programs aimed at economic empowerment. This collaboration doesn’t just focus on immediate benefits; it strives for a more inclusive future, ensuring that opportunities for entrepreneurship are accessible to all youth, regardless of their background.
Time.news Editor: You’re painting a very hopeful picture. Could you share a success story or a specific example from your experiences with these programs that illustrate their impact?
Mr. Nduwayo: One success story that comes to mind is a group of young entrepreneurs who received training through PAEEJ. They identified a local agricultural product with export potential. With the support from BIJE, they developed a business plan, secured funding, and started exporting their goods. Within a year, they not only increased their income but also created jobs for other youths in the community. This is exactly the kind of transformation we aim for.
Time.news Editor: That’s incredibly inspiring! It really shows the power of collaboration and support. Looking forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing young entrepreneurs today, and how can they overcome it?
Mr. Nduwayo: One of the biggest challenges is access to capital. Many young entrepreneurs have brilliant ideas but lack the financial resources to bring them to life. To overcome this, potential entrepreneurs should leverage the resources and networks available to them through programs like BIJE and PAEEJ. They should also focus on building a solid business model that can attract investors.
Time.news Editor: Great advice! As we wrap up, what final thoughts would you like to share with our readers about the future of youth entrepreneurship?
Mr. Nduwayo: I encourage young people to embrace the challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship. With the proper support systems in place, such as those from BIJE, PAEEJ, and other stakeholders, the future can be incredibly bright. It’s about turning challenges into growth opportunities. The future is indeed in their hands!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Nduwayo, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that with the right support and engagement, our youth can pave the way for a prosperous future.
Mr. Nduwayo: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to advocate for our youth and their remarkable potential in shaping our economies.