Prime Minister Russell Dramini also received a message from His Majesty Mswati lll, King of Eswatini in which there was a consolidation of good bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Burundi. A desire that is shared between the two countries because President Ndayishimiye received this message with enthusiasm and commitment to strengthen this cooperation in different sectors of national life.
During their discussion, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini took this opportunity to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Burundi, especially in the field of agriculture where the conditions of soil fertility, climatic conditions and rainfall allow Burundi is ranked among the rare countries in Africa. does not import food.
Faced with this huge potential of Burundi, His Excellency Russell Dramini expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation through trade, asking Burundi to export agricultural products to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The Head of State of Burundi received the wish expressed by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and promised his host that this cooperation framework will be strengthened much stronger, whether through COMESA or under the bilateral framework.
Interview with Agricultural Expert Dr. Nyambura Ngoya on Burundi-Eswatini Cooperation
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ngoya. The recent correspondence between Prime Minister Russell Dramini of Burundi and His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini marked a significant moment in bilateral relations. What is the importance of this cooperation for both nations?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: Thank you for having me. This cooperation is crucial for both Burundi and Eswatini, especially in terms of enhancing agricultural trade. Burundi boasts fertile soil, favorable climatic conditions, and the unique status of being one of the few countries in Africa that doesn’t import food. This makes it an exciting opportunity for Eswatini, which is looking to diversify its agricultural imports and strengthen food security.
Editor: You mentioned the unique agricultural potential of Burundi. How can the country leverage this to boost exports to Eswatini and beyond?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: Absolutely. Burundi can capitalize on its fertile lands and favorable weather by focusing on cash crops that have high demand in regional markets. By establishing strong agricultural practices and focusing on quality, they can meet not just Eswatini’s needs, but also reach markets in the wider Southern African region. Collaborating through platforms like COMESA can help facilitate this trade.
Editor: What specific agricultural products do you believe Burundi should prioritize for export to Eswatini?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: Burundi should consider exporting products such as coffee, tea, and horticultural goods, which have a stable demand and are high-value crops. Additionally, staple foods such as beans and maize can also be targeted for export, helping to establish Burundi as a key supplier in the region.
Editor: The commitment expressed by both Prime Minister Dramini and President Ndayishimiye presents an exciting opportunity. What practical advice would you give to farmers and stakeholders in Burundi looking to engage in this export market?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: Farmers should focus on improving yield through sustainable agricultural practices. Engaging in cooperative societies can also enable smallholders to pool resources, share knowledge, and reduce costs. They should also consider investing in quality control and packaging, as these factors significantly influence market access and consumer acceptance in export markets.
Editor: Beyond agriculture, what other sectors do you think could benefit from this strengthened cooperation between Burundi and Eswatini?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: While agriculture is primary, sectors like tourism and trade can also play a vital role. Joint tourism ventures could enhance cultural exchanges, and trade agreements can stimulate economic growth in both regions. Knowledge transfer in technology and education could further create a robust bilateral relationship that extends beyond agriculture.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you envision the future of Burundi-Eswatini relations to be, particularly in the context of regional cooperation?
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: The future looks promising. If both nations harness their resources effectively and cooperate in sectors beyond agriculture, they can emerge as regional leaders in trade and sustainable development. Their collaboration through frameworks like COMESA could set an example for other nations and stimulate growth in the broader African context.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ngoya, for sharing your insights on this vital topic. The potential for collaboration between Burundi and Eswatini emphasizes the importance of cooperative relationships in achieving food security and economic growth in Africa.
Dr. Nyambura Ngoya: Thank you for having me. I hope to see concrete steps taken to build this partnership in the coming months.