Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye received Dr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, the newly appointed Executive Director representing Burundi on the World Bank Group Board, on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Burundi and the international financial institution, and on exploring how the country can fully leverage opportunities under its national development roadmap, “Vision Burundi: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Nation by 2060.”
“We commend the current quality of collaboration between Burundi and the World Bank,” President Ndayishimiye said, welcoming the new representative and wishing him success in his role. He expressed hope for deeper engagement to support the country’s sustainable development.
Dr. Kibwe, a Tanzanian national, represents 22 East and Southern African countries on the World Bank Board. He reiterated his commitment to actively supporting Burundi’s development priorities, especially in key growth sectors.
The talks highlighted several strategic areas crucial to Burundi’s progress. Youth employability emerged as a key concern in a country where the majority of the population is young.
The planned railway linking Burundi and Tanzania was also underscored as a flagship project. This infrastructure would significantly improve the landlocked country’s access to regional and international markets.
Harnessing Burundi’s natural resources was cited as another major opportunity to boost the national economy.
According to both parties, these priority initiatives are vital to accelerating progress toward Burundi’s long-term development vision.
ARD/te/lb/as/APA