AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & Finance: KCB Bank Burundi says the launch of Burundi’s stock exchange could widen access to capital and deepen financial services for sectors like agriculture, digital banking and small business—despite inflation, FX pressure and infrastructure gaps. Digital ID & Payments: Burundi is exploring India’s “India Stack” model to speed up national identity and payments systems, using UPI-style rails for inclusion. Education & Inclusion: Gitega’s Santa Lucia Primary School for blind children urgently needs 60 beds/mattresses, more teachers, and braille equipment and paper to keep learning on track. Health & Human Capital: CRDB Bank backs “Wellness Day” to fight non-communicable diseases among staff, linking employee health to better customer service. Regional Connectivity: China-aided works at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura are progressing, with nighttime asphalt work signaling continued modernization of Burundi’s main air gateway. Energy & Trade Policy: UNCTAD warns demand for critical energy transition minerals will surge, pushing governments to use trade policy to secure supplies.

Burundi’s digital push: Burundi is exploring India’s “India Stack” model to modernize national identity and payments, including using UPI-style rails to expand financial inclusion. Gitega education needs: A school for 66 blind children in Gitega is urgently seeking 60 beds and mattresses, more teachers, and supplies like braille paper plus an additional embossing machine. Human rights pressure: Burundi rights groups marked the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture with renewed calls for independent investigations, prosecutions, and reparations, saying torture persists with impunity. Finance & markets: KCB Bank Burundi says the new stock exchange and reforms could broaden capital access, even as inflation and FX pressures remain headwinds. Regional infrastructure: China-aided work on Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura is advancing with a new runway surface, aiming to ease capacity limits for the country’s main air gateway. Health & livelihoods: Burundi’s public and partners are also tackling rising drug use among youth, with rehabilitation centers stepping up prevention and support.

Digital Skills & Jobs: ILO and Microsoft launched a 25-week digital skills programme in Kenya’s Turkana and Garissa counties, training 1,700 refugee and host youth with Microsoft certification vouchers and career support. Burundi Finance & Markets: KCB Bank Burundi says the new Burundi stock exchange and reforms could widen capital access, especially for agriculture, digital banking and small business—despite inflation and FX pressure. Digital ID & Payments: Burundi is exploring India’s India Stack model to modernize national identity and payments, including UPI-style interoperability, with technical follow-ups expected. Digital Trust Tech: A global trend report highlights e-signatures evolving into broader digital trust platforms that bundle identity verification and secure data sharing. Gitega Education Needs: A Gitega school for blind children appeals for help, citing urgent needs for boarding beds, teacher replacements, and braille equipment and paper. CRDB Insurance: Tanzania’s Smart Mifugo livestock cover shows how AI and biometric ID are being used to digitize insurance for farmers. Infrastructure & Connectivity: China-aided works at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura continue, aiming to remove runway bottlenecks and boost trade links. Regional Energy Watch: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces renewed uncertainty as political disagreements stall implementation decisions.

Education Needs: In Gitega, Santa Lucia Primary School for blind children says 66 pupils face urgent gaps—60 beds and mattresses, replacement teachers after retirements, and more braille paper plus a second embossing machine to keep learning on track. Human Rights Pressure: Burundi NGOs mark the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture with fresh calls for independent investigations, prosecutions and reparations, saying torture persists under a climate of impunity. Digital ID & Payments: Burundi is exploring India’s India Stack model to speed up national identity and payments, including using UPI-style rails for wider financial inclusion. Regional Connectivity: A China-aided upgrade at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura is pushing ahead with nighttime runway resurfacing to boost Burundi’s air gateway capacity. Health & Society: In Bujumbura, authorities and civil society warn about rising drug use among young people, with rehabilitation centers stepping up prevention and support. Business & Tech (Global, with local relevance): CRDB Insurance in Tanzania launches digital livestock cover via DigiBima, signaling how biometric-linked insurance is spreading across the region.

Digital Finance & Health: CRDB Bank backed Dodoma’s six-year Wellness Day drive, pairing employee workouts and screenings with nutrition and mental health seminars to strengthen service delivery. Insurance Innovation: CRDB Insurance launched “Smart Mifugo,” a digital livestock cover on DigiBima using AI and biometric ID to register and manage policies for farmers. Infrastructure & Trade: China-aided works at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura are progressing with night-time runway resurfacing, aiming to remove a key bottleneck for Burundi’s air gateway. Regional Energy & Logistics: A China-aided airport upgrade comes alongside wider Great Lakes connectivity efforts, while the long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project still faces political and security friction. Public Transport & Fuel: In Bujumbura, the bus shortage is worsening daily life as fuel constraints keep operators grounded. Health & Borders: Burundi’s Lake Tanganyika border communities in Kajaga fear Ebola spillover amid frequent cross-border fishing traffic and limited hygiene supplies. Entrepreneurship & Growth: President Ndayishimiye urged Burundians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, arguing the country can achieve rapid economic growth if mindsets shift.

Airport Modernisation: China-aided works at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura are continuing through the night, with Chinese and Burundian teams laying new asphalt to remove a long-standing bottleneck for the country’s only air gateway. Public Transport & Fuel: In Bujumbura, residents say the bus shortage is worsening daily life, with operators immobilised by ongoing fuel supply problems that leave commuters waiting for hours. Agriculture & Water: Rice farmers in Mpanda warn that an unusually long B farming season and water scarcity could cut harvests sharply, while accusations of unfair irrigation practices add pressure. Refugee Movement Rules: ONPRA has eased movement procedures for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer travel within camp areas and host districts, while exit permits remain for travel beyond. Health Risk at Lake Tanganyika: Fishermen in Kajaga fear Ebola could cross from the DRC, citing frequent boat traffic and damaged drinking-water points after 2023 floods. Crime Concerns in Gitega: Two deaths in three days—one a murdered man and another a pregnant woman found in a guesthouse—have reignited local calls for faster investigations. Business & Health at CRDB: CRDB Bank in Dodoma backed Wellness Day with employee screenings, seminars and sports activities aimed at improving staff health and service delivery. National Growth Push: President Ndayishimiye urged Burundians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, arguing the country can achieve rapid economic growth if mindsets shift toward hard work and responsibility.

Workplace Health & Productivity: CRDB Bank backed Tanzania’s Wellness Day programme for six straight years, bringing staff together for sports, screenings, and talks on nutrition and mental health—linking employee wellbeing to better customer service. Regional Energy Trade: Kenya and Rwanda signed multiple agreements to route Rwanda’s bulk fuel imports via the Port of Mombasa and the Kenya Pipeline Company, aiming to massively scale volumes under a government-to-government setup. Burundi Business & Daily Costs: In Bujumbura, a chronic public transport bus shortage—linked to long-running fuel problems—keeps commuters waiting for hours and disrupts work and school schedules. Agriculture Under Pressure: Mpanda rice farmers warn that an unusually long farming season and water shortages are shrinking harvest prospects, with accusations of unfair irrigation access. Health & Cross-Border Risk: Burundi’s Kajaga fishermen fear Ebola could reach them via frequent DRC boat traffic, while damaged water points make hygiene harder. Policy & Growth Push: Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye urged citizens toward innovation and entrepreneurship, arguing the country can achieve rapid economic growth if mindsets shift.

Economic Growth Push: Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye urged citizens to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and hard work, arguing the country’s natural and human resources can drive rapid, sustainable growth. Public Transport & Fuel Crunch: In Bujumbura, residents say the chronic bus shortage is worsening daily life, with fuel supply problems keeping vehicles off the road and forcing long waits and delays. Refugee Movement Rules: ONPRA eased movement procedures for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer travel within camp areas and host districts while keeping exit permits for travel beyond. Agriculture Under Strain: Rice farmers in Mpanda warn that an unusually long B farming season and water shortages could cut harvests, while accusations of unfair irrigation water distribution add pressure. Cross-Border Health Fears: Fishermen in Kajaga, near Lake Tanganyika, fear Ebola could spread from the DRC amid frequent boat traffic and limited access to safe drinking water. Food Aid Supply: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor says 820 tons of fortified wheat flour were monitored and cleared for humanitarian use in Burundi. Regional Security & Health: Ebola in eastern DRC continues to threaten wider spread, with experts warning urban transmission risks and funding gaps affecting response capacity.

Ebola Response in the DRC: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening amid conflict and displacement, with health teams struggling to reach crowded IDP camps; officials warn the lack of access is slowing detection, tracing and treatment. Cross-Border Health Anxiety in Burundi: In Kajaga (near Lake Tanganyika), fishermen fear Ebola could spread from the DRC as daily boat traffic continues and hygiene support is constrained by damaged water points. Burundi Agriculture Under Pressure: Rice farmers in Mpanda face a severe water shortage and accuse unfair irrigation practices that leave some plots without reliable access, threatening harvests. Fertilizer Crisis Deepens: Farmers in Matana and Bururi say they paid for key fertilizers but never received them, raising fears of food insecurity. Bujumbura Transport Strain: Residents report worsening public transport delays and long waits tied to ongoing fuel shortages affecting operators. Refugee Movement Rules: In Muyinga, ONPRA eased movement procedures for refugees within camp areas and host districts, while exit permits remain required beyond the district. Regional Trade & Logistics: Tanzania pushes deeper into regional shipping and rail connectivity to cut freight costs and strengthen links to landlocked neighbors, including planned routes toward Burundi and the DRC. Burundi in the Supply Chain: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor monitored a UN humanitarian shipment of 820 tons of fortified wheat flour delivered to Burundi. Finance Watch: Burundi’s cash reserves are reported as critically low at $214m, per IMF coverage.

Xenophobia & Migration Pressure in South Africa: Thousands of migrants, including Malawians, are sheltering in makeshift camps in Durban and elsewhere as anti-immigrant groups push a June 30 “leave the country” deadline, with reports of attacks on businesses and growing fear among foreign traders. Great Lakes Security & Minerals Sanctions: The US announced fresh sanctions on Rwanda-based mineral firms accused of financing the M23 rebellion via Congolese mineral smuggling, freezing assets and barring US business—raising questions about how enforcement fits broader regional diplomacy. Burundi Transport & Fuel Strain: In Bujumbura, the public transportation crisis is worsening daily life as fuel shortages keep buses off the road, leaving commuters waiting for hours and forcing long, exhausting trips. Refugee Movement Rules Eased in Burundi: ONPRA relaxed movement rules for Congolese refugees in Muyinga’s Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer travel within camp areas and host districts while keeping exit permits for travel beyond. Ebola Fears at Lake Tanganyika Border: Fishermen in Kajaga say cross-border boat traffic and weak visible prevention measures are heightening anxiety about Ebola entering Burundi from the DRC. Agriculture Under Pressure: Mpanda rice farmers warn water shortages and alleged unfair irrigation practices could cut harvests, while Muyinga residents also accuse artisanal gold mining of destroying farmland and livelihoods. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Tanzania’s push to expand shipping beyond inland lakes and its logistics strategy—plus SGR links aimed at reducing transit costs—signal continued momentum for East African trade corridors.

South Africa Migration Pressure: Thousands of Malawians are stuck in makeshift camps in Durban and Pietermaritzburg as officials process deportation ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants, with conditions described as “untenable” and most processed cases reportedly lacking valid documents. Burundi Transport & Fuel Strain: In Bujumbura, residents say the public transport crisis is worsening daily, driven by long waits and fuel shortages that leave buses immobilized. Ebola Fears at Lake Borders: Fishermen in Kajaga near Lake Tanganyika fear Ebola could cross from the DRC, citing frequent boat traffic and weak access to clean water for hygiene. Agriculture Under Stress: Mpanda rice farmers warn of major losses from a prolonged water shortage and accuse local power holders of unfair irrigation distribution. Food Inputs Disruption: Farmers in Bururi and Matana report fertilizer shortages after paying in advance, raising food security concerns. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Advocates warn untreated wastewater and uncontrolled exploitation are degrading Lake Tanganyika, threatening health and livelihoods across the region. Regional Health Funding: The UN says new CERF funding will support Ebola surveillance and lab capacity in Burundi and South Sudan to reduce cross-border transmission risk.

Public Transport & Fuel Crunch: In Bujumbura, residents say the bus shortage is worsening daily life—hours of waiting, missed work and exams, and forced marches—linked to long-running fuel supply problems that leave operators with immobilized vehicles. Ebola Risk for Trade Communities: Fishermen in Kajaga fear Ebola could be introduced from the DRC as cross-border boat traffic continues and hygiene support is strained by damaged water points. Agriculture Under Pressure: Rice farmers in Mpanda warn water shortages and alleged unfair irrigation practices are cutting harvest prospects, while Bururi and Matana farmers report fertilizer payments without delivery, raising food-security fears. Refugee Movement Rules Ease: ONPRA has relaxed movement procedures for refugees in northern Burundi camps, allowing freer local travel with logbook registration, while exit permits remain for travel beyond the host district. Health Funding for Cross-Border Threats: The UN says new CERF support will strengthen surveillance and lab capacity for Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan. Regional Trade & Logistics: Tanzania’s push to modernize rail and ports—aiming to cut transit times and costs and link to Burundi and the DRC—signals continued competition for East African cargo flows.

Ebola Preparedness: The UN says it has released funding to boost surveillance, labs, and case management in Burundi and South Sudan as the DRC outbreak tops 1,000 cases and nears 300 deaths, with experts warning cross-border spread could accelerate. Burundi’s Foreign-Currency Crunch: The IMF flags critically low international reserves at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), warning fuel shortages can worsen when dollars are scarce. Agribusiness Pressure: Farmers in Burunga report a fertilizer crisis—inputs reportedly paid for but not delivered—raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Mining & Land Risks: Muyinga residents denounce expanding artisanal gold mining for destroying farmland, crops, and livelihoods, with allegations of intimidation and weak oversight. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Burundi’s lakeside environment faces mounting threats from untreated wastewater and weak protection, putting health and fisheries at risk. Trade & Connectivity: Kenya’s SGR push is expected to deepen Mombasa’s role in regional trade, while EAC data shows Kenya still dominates bloc trade even as intra-EAC commerce slips. Regional Business Events: The EAC MSMEs Trade Fair is set for Kigali in late October, with leather and horticulture in focus. Tech & Media: Spotify data shows football podcast listening rising sharply across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Burundi among the fastest-growing markets.

Regional Trade & Ports: Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa says the Kenya–Uganda Standard Gauge Railway will boost cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa by cutting transit time and freight costs, strengthening EAC trade links. Food Security & Imports: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor monitored a UN-backed shipment of 820 tons of fortified wheat flour to Burundi, with lab checks on safety and quality before delivery. Ebola Preparedness: The UN says CERF funding will strengthen surveillance, labs, and case management in Burundi and South Sudan as DRC’s Ebola outbreak tops 1,000 cases and nears 300 deaths, raising cross-border transmission risks. IMF & Foreign Currency: The IMF warns Burundi’s international cash reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), a shortage that can slow fuel imports and disrupt commerce. Agriculture Inputs Crisis: Farmers in Bururi and Muyinga report fertilizer shortages and unpaid deliveries, fearing crop losses and a food security hit. Environment: Lake Tanganyika faces mounting pressure from untreated wastewater and weak protection, threatening livelihoods and health across the region. Digital Inclusion: Rwanda’s biometric ID rollout is expanding to refugees, with Mahama camp residents expecting easier access to services and even banking.

IMF Watch: Burundi’s international reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), keeping pressure on fuel supply and broader growth despite IMF projections of 3.9% growth in 2026. Health & Aid: The U.S. rejected a UN HIV/AIDS resolution over anti-HIV program cutbacks, while Ebola response in the region faces mounting constraints as cases in DRC push past 1,000 and Burundi is listed among high-risk countries. Fertilizer Crunch: Farmers in Bururi and Muyinga report paying for fertilizers but receiving none, with fears of a food security hit as shortages spread. Environment & Water: Lake Tanganyika is under threat from untreated wastewater and weak protection, while Lake Victoria got a pledge to remove 100,000 litres of plastic from Uganda’s shoreline. Digital Inclusion: Rwanda’s biometric ID rollout is expanding access for refugees, with Mahama residents linking IDs to easier services and even banking/SIM access. Business & Trade: Kenya remains the EAC trade heavyweight, even as intra-bloc trade falls, and the EAC MSMEs fair is set for Kigali in late Oct with a focus on leather and horticulture. Media & Culture: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is surging across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Burundi among the fastest-growing markets.

Fertilizer Crisis in Burunga: Farmers in Matana and Bururi say they paid for FOMI Imbura, Bagara, urea and dolomite but never received inputs, with fields left uncertain and food security fears rising. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Burundi and partners are warned that untreated wastewater and weak environmental controls are degrading the lake’s water quality, threatening livelihoods, health and biodiversity. Muyinga Gold Rush: Artisanal gold mining in Muyinga is blamed for turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, and driving displacement and school dropouts. Regional Conflict Spillover: In South Kivu’s Minembwe area, Twirwaneho/M23 fighters claim gains while local sources report coalition withdrawals after nearly a week of heavy fighting and displacement. World Refugee Day Pressure: Refugee communities across the region face reduced aid and tighter movement rules; Burundi’s Marguerite Barankitse urges protection and dignity for exiled Burundians. Rwanda Digital ID for Refugees: Rwanda’s biometric ID rollout is expanding access to services and even banking for refugees in camps like Mahama. Ebola Watch: Health agencies warn the DRC outbreak could worsen without faster testing, tracing and funding, as cases surpass 1,000. Africa-China Trade Boost: AU chair and Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye highlights China’s expanded zero-tariff access for African products as a growth opportunity. Press Freedom Alarm: RSF reports a sharp rise in journalists forced into exile, citing worsening security and repression across regions. EAC Trade Snapshot: Kenya remains the EAC trade heavyweight, while intra-bloc trade falls as members look more to global markets.