In his opening speech, Minister Muyabaga emphasized that employment is a decisive factor in improving living conditions and reducing poverty. “Access to stable, well-paid employment can change lives and promote sustainable economic development,” he said, recalling that the government’s long-term vision is to make Burundi a developing country under 2040 and a developed country by 2060. This ambition is supported by the revised National Development Plan (PND) 2018-2027, which guides activities in all sectors of life national.
According to the Minister in charge of the Civil Service, the government of Burundi considers the youth as a precious human resource and essential for the economic progress of the country. Venuste Muyabaga also pointed out that strengthening vocational training is essential to increase the employability of this category of the population. He announced that vocational training centers would be created in each municipality, with a total of 216 Trade Education Centers and 16 Vocational Education Training Centers at the moment.
Minister Muyabaga also presented initiatives for young people who have not been able to access higher education, referring to technical and vocational training programs that will enable them to acquire the necessary skills to meet the needs of the job market. “We recently hired the Rusi Public Polytechnic Training and Vocational Retraining Center, to better adapt our workforce to the demands of the private sector,” he said.
Faced with ongoing challenges of unemployment, the government has implemented a number of policies to support the employment of young people and women. Among them are the National Employment Policy (PNE), the National Labor Migration Policy (PNMMO) and the National Social Protection Policy (PNPS). These aim to promote inclusive socio-economic integration.
With that in mind, the Office of Employment and Manpower of Burundi (OBEM) was created to coordinate the execution of the PNE and other entrepreneurship programs. The Minister also mentioned the Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ), which encourages self-employment through cooperatives and business incubators, while offering technical and managerial assistance to entrepreneurs.
In terms of funding, the government has established institutions such as the Investment Bank for Youth (BIJE) and the Impulse and Guarantee Fund (FIGA), in order to support entrepreneurial projects. The Minister also praised the Women’s Development Investment Bank (BIDF), which supports women’s entrepreneurship, as an important lever for balanced economic growth.
Venuste Muyabaga called for strengthened collaboration with development partners and the private sector, stressing that the government alone cannot solve the issue of mass unemployment. He encouraged local and international actors, especially the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to pool their efforts and resources to support national initiatives. ”Synergy between partners and pooling of financial resources is essential to ensure the success of our employment policy,” he concluded.
This forum, scheduled to last three days, will be an opportunity to debate, exchange experiences and present projects aimed at promoting the economic and social inclusion of young people and women in Burundi. It is also an opportunity for young innovators to display their products during these three days to encourage potential customers.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Minister Muyabaga
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Minister Muyabaga. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent speech highlighted the crucial role of employment in improving living conditions and reducing poverty in Burundi. Can you elaborate on why stable, well-paying jobs are so essential for the country’s development?
Minister Muyabaga (MM): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Employment is indeed a cornerstone of our economic strategy. When individuals have access to stable and well-paying jobs, they can support their families, invest in education, and contribute to their communities. This, in turn, drives sustainable economic development. Our long-term vision is ambitious, aiming to transform Burundi into a developing country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. Employment is the pathway to achieving that vision.
TNE: That’s an ambitious goal! An important part of your plan is strengthening vocational training. Could you explain how this fits into the larger picture of employment growth, particularly for the youth?
MM: Absolutely. We believe that youth are a vital human resource for our nation’s progress. Strengthening vocational training is essential for enhancing the employability of this demographic. By providing practical skills tailored to the job market, we can ensure that young people are not just prepared for jobs but are equipped with the competencies that employers seek. Currently, we are establishing vocational training centers across all municipalities. We have introduced 216 Trade Education Centers and 16 Vocational Training Centers to facilitate this initiative.
TNE: You mentioned that these centers aim to assist young people who may not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. What specific programs or courses do you envision these centers offering?
MM: We are focusing on technical and vocational training programs that align with market needs. For instance, courses in areas such as agriculture, construction, and information technology are in high demand. We recently engaged the Rusi Public Polytechnic Training and Vocational Retraining Center, which exemplifies our commitment to tailor vocational training to the ever-evolving private sector demands. This approach not only empowers our youth but also directly supports our local economy.
TNE: It sounds like a proactive approach. However, unemployment remains a significant challenge. What policies has the government implemented to support the employment of young people and women specifically?
MM: To address unemployment, we have rolled out several key policies, such as the National Employment Policy, the National Labor Migration Policy, and the National Social Protection Policy. Each of these strategies aims to foster inclusive socio-economic integration. They create frameworks for employment opportunities while ensuring that marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, have access to support and resources necessary for economic participation.
TNE: It sounds like you’re taking a comprehensive approach. could you tell our readers about the role of the Office of Employment and Manpower of Burundi (OBEM) in these initiatives?
MM: The OBEM plays a pivotal role in coordinating employment efforts across the country. It acts as a bridge between the government, employers, and training institutions, ensuring that the employment landscape in Burundi is well-managed and responsive to both local needs and global economic trends. It monitors labor market dynamics and implements programs that connect job seekers with available opportunities. This holistic approach is vital for our overall development strategy.
TNE: Thank you, Minister Muyabaga. Your insights provide a clear vision of the government’s commitment to transforming Burundi’s economy through employment and vocational training initiatives. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts in the coming years.
MM: Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision. Together, with commitment and collaboration, we can create a brighter future for Burundi.
