The Burundian government has stated that it is looking to Nigeria for assistance in developing the agriculture aspect of information and communication technology (ICT) for the country’s overall economic development.
At a press conference to commemorate Burundi‘s 60th anniversary of independence in Abuja, Marie Jeanne Ntakirutimana, the ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, said specifically that the development will further improve relations between the two countries.
In relation to economic diversification in Africa, Ntakirutimana noted that Nigeria is excelling in ICT and agriculture, noting that the nation looks to Nigeria for support in these fields.
She claims that Burundi is presently concentrating on agro-pastoral activities under the motto “may every mouth have food and may every pocket have money,” and that its government has put in place a 10-year National Development Plan (PND) 2018–2027 that has as its sole objective the welfare, prosperity, and improvement of all Burundians.
She said, “Burundi also focused on environmental protection under the theme: Ewe Burundi Urambaye! (Green Burundi). In the diplomatic aspect, Burundi has opened cooperation in almost all the countries of the world. It is in this context that Burundi and Nigeria have always had good relations, but it was not until 2006 that this Embassy was established here in Abuja. From 2006 until today, I can assure you all that much has been accomplished throughout these sixteen (16) years to strengthen these existing relationships. Various agreements have been signed; some have been modified and new ones have also been added to the list. Nigeria opened its Embassy in Burundi in 2007. Burundi and Nigeria have extensive cooperation, especially in the education and security sectors,” Ntakirutimana added.