Burundi

Since the introduction of free basic education in 2005, Burundi has witnessed significant growth in access and enrollment rates. However, despite reforms, there is demographic pressure on the primary education system. Despite positive results in terms of access and parity, challenges persist in retaining children in school, leading to a high number of repeaters, particularly in basic education, due to the system's low efficiency, quality, and equity.

Starting from 2019, AFD has been co-financing the US$51.9 million Twige Neza project with the Global Partnership for Education, including €4 million from France via AFD. AFD is the leading development partner for the Government of Burundi in the basic education sector. The project, directly implemented by the Burundian Ministry of Education in collaboration with Unicef, WFP, UNESCO, PLAY International, and Bibliothèques Sans Frontières, aims to enable all young Burundians to meet the objectives of the basic education curriculum efficiently and cost-effectively. AFD provides direct support for Burundi's Education Sector Plan (2022-2030).

The Twige Neza project focuses on enhancing access to education through the construction and rehabilitation of 461 complete classrooms (including latrines, desks, etc.). It supports teacher training in French and science, finances initiatives to reduce repetition, and aids in the operationalization and equipping of 776 school networks. AFD also promotes the expansion of school canteens and actively participates in implementing a national strategy for inclusive education. Actions aimed at protecting, maintaining, and reintegrating children into school, including repatriated children, will strengthen the resilience of schools.

At the forefront of the priorities for Burundi's national authorities and health partners is the implementation of the health sector strategy (2021-2027), a key focus for the Ministry of Public Health and AIDS Control (MSPLS). To address the structural challenges faced by the country, such as shortages and uneven distribution of healthcare personnel across regions, as well as the need for standardized infrastructure and equipment, this project aims to fortify Burundi's healthcare system. A strong emphasis is placed on addressing gender disparities in accessing healthcare.

Since 2022, AFD has collaborated closely with MSPLS to reinforce human resources in health. The Amagara Yacu project, funded with 10 million euros by AFD, is dedicated to enhancing the initial and ongoing training of paramedical professions in collaboration with the Institut National de Santé Publique. It also focuses on optimizing blood collection, blood management, and the production of labile blood products with the Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine. 

Furthermore, the project aims to enhance epidemiological monitoring capacities in collaboration with the Laboratoire National de Référence. Ultimately, the project contributes to building the capabilities of community health networks to address gender inequalities and respond effectively to the specific needs and challenges of sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and maternal and child health within their communities.
 

AFD Burundi is helping the country strengthen social cohesion and human capital by working with civil society organizations (CSOs) via grants:

• French CSOs seeking financing for their projects in Burundi can directly contact our Bujumbura agency
• Non-French CSOs can benefit from two dedicated tools: the Sectoral Innovation Facility for NGOs (FISONG) and the crisis and post-crisis calls for projects (APCC) proposed by AFD’s headquarters. Click here for further information