AGP Executive Report

UN Climate Leadership: As UN member states nominate candidates to replace António Guterres, a new look at the race highlights how climate action is central to the contenders’ agendas. Energy Transition & Minerals: UNCTAD warns demand for critical energy minerals will surge as clean tech, EVs, batteries and digital infrastructure expand—pushing lithium, graphite, nickel and cobalt higher. Burundi Aviation Upgrade: Night work continues at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura as Chinese and Burundian teams lay new asphalt, aiming to remove a bottleneck for the country’s main air gateway. Regional Power Watch: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces fresh uncertainty as political disagreements stall implementation decisions among DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. Finance for Growth: KCB Burundi says the new Burundi stock exchange could widen access to capital, especially for agriculture, digital banking and small businesses. Digital Identity & Trust: Global moves toward digital ID and stronger verification ecosystems keep accelerating, from UK digital verification plans to broader identity and biometric debates.

Airport Works in Burundi: Night shifts are underway at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura as Chinese and Burundian teams lay a new asphalt concrete runway surface, aiming to remove a long-standing bottleneck for the country’s only air gateway. Capital Markets & Banking: KCB Burundi says the launch of Burundi’s stock exchange and broader reforms could widen access to capital, with priority areas including agriculture finance, digital banking, and support for small businesses amid inflation and FX pressure. Agriculture Water Stress: In Mpanda’s rice-growing zones, farmers report severe water shortages and accuse local water distribution practices of favoritism, threatening harvests on some plots. Regional Energy Watch: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces fresh uncertainty as political disagreements in eastern Congo stall key implementation decisions, including security arrangements around the site. Digital Identity Trend (Region): Rwanda is expanding biometric digital IDs to citizens and refugees, while the wider region continues pushing digital public service modernization. Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN has approved $8m to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, citing high cross-border risk from the DRC outbreak.

Airport Modernization: China-aided works at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura are pushing ahead with nighttime paving and runway rehabilitation, aiming to remove a long-standing bottleneck for Burundi’s only air gateway. Agriculture & Water Access: In Mpanda (Bujumbura Province), rice farmers say an unusually long dry spell and unfair irrigation practices are leaving less than half of fields likely to mature, raising fears of major harvest losses. Finance & Capital Markets: KCB Bank Burundi says it wants to benefit from the newly launched Burundi stock exchange and reforms, targeting growth in agriculture, digital banking and small-business lending despite inflation and FX pressure. Regional Energy Watch: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces fresh uncertainty as political disagreements in eastern Congo stall key implementation decisions that could boost Burundi’s generation capacity. Digital Economy Signals: While not Burundi-specific, regional moves in digital identity and verification are accelerating—an area that could shape how Burundian financial services and public systems modernize. Health Preparedness: The UN has approved $8m for Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan, strengthening surveillance, labs and case management ahead of possible cross-border spread from DR Congo.

Burundi Airport Upgrade: Night works are underway at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura as Chinese and Burundian teams lay new asphalt, pushing forward the China-aided rehabilitation and modernization of the country’s key air gateway. Regional Power Politics: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project is again stuck amid political disagreements involving DRC and partners, with security and governance arrangements at the center of the latest impasse. Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN has approved $8m from the CERF to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, focusing on surveillance, labs, case management, and infection control as cross-border risk rises from the DRC outbreak. Agriculture Water Stress: In Mpanda rice zones in western Burundi, farmers report a severe water shortage during the B farming season, with fears of major harvest losses and accusations of unfair irrigation water distribution. Digital Identity & Trust (Regional Signal): Rwanda is expanding biometric digital IDs to citizens and refugees, while the wider region keeps moving toward digital verification systems that can speed services and reduce fraud.

Airport Modernization: China-aided works at Burundi’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport are pushing ahead with night shifts to resurface the runway, aiming to remove a long-standing bottleneck for the country’s only air gateway. Agriculture & Water: In Mpanda (Bujumbura Province), rice farmers report a severe B-season water shortage and accuse local power-brokers of unfair irrigation access, threatening harvest losses. Regional Energy: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces fresh uncertainty as political disagreements in eastern DRC stall implementation decisions that are meant to boost Burundi’s electricity supply. Ebola Preparedness: The UN has released $8m to strengthen Ebola surveillance and response readiness in Burundi (and South Sudan) due to high cross-border risk from the DRC outbreak. Digital Services: Rwanda’s biometric digital ID rollout is expanding to refugees, a reminder of how identity systems are being used to unlock access to public services across the region. Trade & Logistics Context: Tanzania’s shipping push and corridor logistics strategy underline the wider push to cut transport costs for landlocked neighbors like Burundi.

Airport Modernization: Chinese and Burundian teams are working through the night to rehabilitate and expand Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, easing a long-standing runway bottleneck and improving Burundi’s only air gateway to the world. Agriculture & Water: In Mpanda, rice farmers warn that an unusually long B farming season and water shortages are cutting maturity on much of the 20 hectares under cultivation, while accusations of unfair irrigation practices add pressure. Fertilizer Supply Crunch: Farmers in Matana and Bururi say they paid for FOMI Imbura and Bagara, plus urea and dolomite, but deliveries never came—raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Mining Impacts: In Muyinga, residents denounce expanding artisanal gold mining that they say is destroying farmland, crops and livelihoods, with intimidation and alleged local complicity. Lake Tanganyika Risks: Burundi’s lakeside communities face mounting threats from untreated wastewater and resource exploitation, alongside hippo attacks linked to people encroaching on the 150-meter buffer zone. Regional Trade & Health: UN funding of $8m supports Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan as cross-border risk rises from the DRC outbreak.

Kenya–Rwanda Fuel Corridor: Kenya and Rwanda signed new agreements on June 29 to move Rwanda’s bulk refined petroleum imports via the Port of Mombasa and the Kenya Pipeline Company, aiming to massively expand the Northern Corridor under a government-to-government setup. Burundi Agriculture Under Strain: In western Burundi, Mpanda rice farmers report a long B-season water shortage and accuse local power brokers of unfair irrigation access, threatening harvests. Fertilizer Crisis Deepens: In Bururi and Matana, farmers say they paid for key fertilizers but received none, with missing FOMI Imbura/Bagara and arrears in urea and dolomite raising food-security fears. Lake Tanganyika Under Pressure: Burundi’s shoreline faces mounting risks from untreated wastewater and weak environmental controls, while hippo attacks linked to encroachment of the 150-meter buffer zone are killing around ten people in June. Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN released $8m to strengthen Ebola surveillance and response readiness in Burundi and South Sudan as the DRC outbreak spreads regionally. Regional Trade & Logistics: Tanzania pushes deeper into East African logistics with port, rail and corridor upgrades, including SGR plans that could strengthen links toward Burundi and the DRC.

Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN released $8m from CERF to boost surveillance, labs, case management and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan as the DRC outbreak (over 1,000 cases) raises cross-border risk. Agribusiness Water Stress: In Mpanda (Bujumbura Province), rice farmers say an unusually long B-season and unfair irrigation practices are cutting maturity on much of the 20-hectare crop area. Fertilizer Crisis: Farmers in Bururi and Matana report missing FOMI Imbura/Bagara and urea/dolomite despite prior payments, threatening maize, beans and potato yields and food security. Mining Impacts in Muyinga: Residents accuse artisanal gold miners of turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, displacing families and driving school dropouts. Lake Tanganyika Under Pressure: Burundi-linked pollution concerns grow as untreated wastewater and weak environmental controls threaten water quality and livelihoods; separate reports also cite hippo deaths tied to people encroaching on the 150-meter buffer zone. Foreign Currency Crunch: The IMF warns Burundi’s international reserves are critically low ($214m), constraining fuel imports and raising risks for transport and commerce. Seed System Upgrade: PAGRIS seeks suppliers to equip Burundi’s OBPE seed center to improve agroforestry seed production, testing, storage and traceability.

Burundi Economy & Finance: The IMF warns Burundi’s foreign-currency reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), a pressure that can quickly translate into fuel and supply disruptions. Agriculture & Water Management: In Mpanda (Bujumbura Province), rice farmers say an extended dry spell and unfair irrigation practices are leaving less than half of planted fields likely to mature, threatening harvests. Fertilizer Supply Crunch: Farmers in Matana and Bururi report missing organo-mineral fertilizers and unpaid-for inputs not delivered, raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Mining & Land Use: In Muyinga, residents accuse artisanal gold miners of turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, displacing families, and pushing children out of school. Environment & Public Safety: Lake Tanganyika faces rising pollution from untreated wastewater and weak controls, while hippo deaths in Rumonge and Muhuta are linked to people encroaching on the 150-meter buffer zone. Regional Trade & Logistics: Tanzania pushes deeper into regional shipping and logistics, while the SGR push is set to boost cargo flows via Mombasa for Uganda. Ebola Preparedness: The UN released $8m to strengthen Ebola surveillance and response readiness in Burundi and South Sudan as the DRC outbreak spreads regionally. EAC Business Development: The EAC MSMEs Trade Fair is set for Kigali in late October, with leather and horticulture highlighted as key industrial growth sectors.

Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN released $8m from CERF to boost Ebola surveillance, labs, case management, and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan, warning the risk remains high due to cross-border movement from the DRC. Agriculture Water Stress: In Mpanda, rice farmers say an unusually long B-season and unfair irrigation practices are cutting harvest prospects, with some fields left short of maturity. Fertilizer Shortage: Farmers in Bururi and Matana report missing FOMI Imbura/Bagara inputs and unpaid arrears for urea and dolomite, raising food-security fears. Mining & Land Damage: In Muyinga, residents accuse artisanal gold miners of turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, and driving displacement. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Burundi-linked reports warn untreated wastewater and weak environmental controls are degrading Lake Tanganyika, threatening livelihoods and health. IMF Foreign Currency Crunch: The IMF flags Burundi’s low international reserves ($214m, about 1.6 months of imports), warning fuel shortages could disrupt transport and commerce. Regional Trade & Logistics: Tanzania pushes deeper into regional shipping and logistics, including rail upgrades aimed at lowering freight costs for minerals and agricultural goods.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The UN released $8m from the CERF to strengthen Ebola surveillance, labs, case management and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan, warning the risk stays high due to frequent cross-border movement from the DRC. Regional Health Risk: WHO-linked modelling says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC has already reached Uganda and could spread to South Sudan within weeks; Rwanda and Burundi are currently seen at lower risk. Agriculture Under Pressure: In Mpanda (Bujumbura), rice farmers report a worsening water shortage and accuse Imbonerakure-linked interference in irrigation distribution, threatening harvests. Fertilizer Crisis: Farmers in Bururi and Matana say they paid for FOMI Imbura/Bagara and other inputs but received nothing, raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Mining vs Farming: Muyinga residents denounce expanding artisanal gold mining for destroying fields, crops and livelihoods, with claims of intimidation and poor oversight. Lake Tanganyika Threats: Burundi warns of escalating pollution from untreated wastewater and unsafe lake resource use, while hippo attacks linked to encroachment of the 150-meter buffer zone have killed around ten people in June. Trade & Industry Context: Burundi’s foreign-currency reserves are critically low at $214m (IMF), a constraint that can slow fuel imports and disrupt commerce.

Ebola Preparedness Funding: The UN approved $8m from the CERF to boost Ebola surveillance, labs, case management and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan as the DRC outbreak spreads across borders. Public Health Risk: WHO-linked modelling warns South Sudan faces a high chance of reaching cases soon, while Rwanda and Burundi are seen at comparatively lower risk—still requiring border checks and safe burial. Agriculture Under Strain: In Mpanda, rice farmers say a long water shortage is cutting maturity on about half of their 20 hectares, with accusations that Imbonerakure-linked water distribution favors some plots. Fertilizer Crisis: Farmers in Bururi and Matana report missing FOMI Imbura/Bagara and unpaid-for inputs like urea and dolomite, raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Mining Pressure on Land: In Muyinga, residents denounce expanding artisanal gold mining for destroying farmland, crops and livelihoods, and for alleged intimidation and weak enforcement. Lake Tanganyika Alarm: Burundi’s lakeside pollution and weak controls are worsening Lake Tanganyika’s health, while hippo deaths linked to encroachment on the 150-meter buffer zone highlight growing safety and environmental enforcement needs. IMF Watch: Burundi’s foreign-currency reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), threatening fuel availability and broader trade and growth.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The UN released $8m from the CERF to strengthen Ebola surveillance, labs, case management and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan, as officials warn the DRC outbreak could spread via cross-border movement. Regional Health Risk: WHO-linked modelling says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC has already reached Uganda and carries a high chance of reaching South Sudan soon, with Burundi and Rwanda still seen at comparatively lower risk. Burundi Economy Watch: The IMF flags Burundi’s foreign currency reserves as critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), warning this can translate into fuel shortages and wider strain on trade and daily life. Mining Under Scrutiny: MPs in Kayanza question the traceability of foreign-exchange earnings from exports of over 1,600 tons of cassiterite and coltan mined years earlier, citing weak public accounting and limited local benefits. Fertilizer Crisis Hits Farmers: In Bururi and Matana, farmers report paying for fertilizers but not receiving them, raising fears of crop losses and food insecurity. Lake Tanganyika Under Pressure: Burundi faces mounting environmental threats around Lake Tanganyika, from untreated wastewater and resource exploitation to deadly hippo incidents tied to weak enforcement of the 150-meter buffer zone.

Ebola Response Funding: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye helped convene an AU emergency push for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, mobilising US$910m in pledges and urging release of the full US$518m needed for a joint continental plan. Public Health & Cross-Border Risk: Health agencies warn the outbreak is surging amid insecurity, displacement, weak tracing, and a lack of a licensed strain-specific vaccine—Burundi is listed among high-risk countries. Mining & Land Pressure: In Muyinga, residents say artisanal gold mining is turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, and driving displacement and school dropouts. Agribusiness Input Crisis: Farmers in Bururi and Matana report paying for fertilizers (including FOMI Imbura and Bagara) but not receiving them, raising fears of a food security hit. Lake Tanganyika Environment: Burundi faces mounting pressure on Lake Tanganyika from untreated wastewater and weak protection, while hippo deaths are linked to people encroaching on the 150-meter buffer zone. Macroeconomic Stability: The IMF flags Burundi’s critically low foreign currency reserves ($214m), warning fuel imports can slow when dollars run short. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Uganda’s consul says the Kenya–Uganda SGR link will boost cargo through Mombasa by cutting transit time and freight costs, strengthening EAC trade. Seed Systems Upgrade: PAGRIS seeks suppliers to equip Burundi’s OBPE seed center to improve agroforestry seed production, testing, storage, and traceability.

Lake Tanganyika Under Pressure: Burundi and partners are warning that untreated wastewater and weak environmental controls are degrading Lake Tanganyika, with knock-on risks for health and livelihoods across the Great Lakes. Hippo Safety Crisis: In Burundi’s Rumonge and Muhuta, about ten people have been killed by hippos, as authorities cite repeated encroachment on the required 150-meter lakeshore buffer zone and urge strict compliance. Fertilizer Shortage Hits Farmers: In Burunga province (Matana and Bururi districts), farmers say they paid for FOMI Imbura, Bagara, and other inputs but received none, fearing crop losses and a food security shock. Artisanal Gold Mining Fallout: In Muyinga, residents accuse artisanal miners of turning farmland into open pits, destroying crops, displacing families, and operating with alleged local complicity. Ebola Response Funding Push: Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye helped mobilize US$910m for the Bundibugyo Ebola response in DRC and Uganda, with leaders urging rapid disbursement to scale surveillance, labs, and cross-border logistics. Foreign Currency Strain: The IMF flags Burundi’s low international reserves at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), warning fuel and trade can be disrupted when dollars are scarce. Seed Center Upgrade: PAGRIS seeks suppliers to equip OBPE’s seed center to improve agroforestry seed production, testing, storage, and traceability. EAC Trade Snapshot: Kenya remains the EAC’s trade heavyweight, while intra-EAC trade fell, even as total trade with the world rose.

Fertilizer Crunch in Burunga: Farmers in Matana and Bururi say they paid for FOMI Imbura and Bagara, plus urea and dolomite, but deliveries never came—fueling crop losses and food-security fears. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Experts warn untreated wastewater and weak shoreline controls are degrading the lake’s water quality and threatening health and livelihoods across Burundi and the region. Hippo Attacks Rise: Around ten people have died after hippos entered grazing areas, with authorities linking incidents to people encroaching on the 150-meter lake buffer zone. Mining Governance Under Fire: MPs question how revenues from exports of 1,600+ tons of cassiterite and coltan (2006–2015) were recorded and how communities benefited. Seed Center Upgrade Call: PAGRIS seeks suppliers to equip OBPE’s seed center to improve agroforestry seed production, testing, storage and traceability. Ebola Response Pressure: Burundi’s AU leadership says US$910m was mobilized for the Bundibugyo response, but experts warn constraints and funding gaps could slow containment. Digital Health Partnership: Malaria Consortium and eGov Foundation deepen work on digital tools for health data accuracy and supply tracking. Africa–China Trade Boost: AU chairperson Ndayishimiye highlights China’s expanded zero-tariff access as a potential income boost for African exporters, including Burundi. Muyinga Gold Rush Fallout: Residents accuse artisanal gold miners of destroying farmland, crops and livelihoods, and of intimidation and local complicity.