Burundi’s Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Program (PAEEJ) celebrated its fourth anniversary on Friday, marking four years of operation since its inception in April 2021. Designed to tackle youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship across the country, the program has supported thousands of youth-led initiatives, providing both financial and technical support.
During a ceremony held in Bujumbura, the country’s economic capital, President Évariste Ndayishimiye praised the youth for their resilience and hard work in driving development through innovation and perseverance. “I commend you for the courage you have shown. You demonstrated strength and perseverance. You did not give up on working; you kept going until things started to come together,” he said.
Launched by presidential decree in 2021, PAEEJ was established as a strategic initiative to foster the socio-economic inclusion of Burundian youth through entrepreneurship and employability. The government allocated 48 billion Burundian Francs (approximately $20 million) for its first four years, from 2021 to 2025.
However, President Ndayishimiye revealed that only 8 billion BIF of that allocation was used in the first year. The remaining 40 billion BIF was blocked under controversial circumstances, with the president pointing fingers at the Ministry of Youth. “In the first year, we allocated 48 billion, but only 8 billion were used—the rest was blocked,” Ndayishimiye said. “Imagine what that money could have achieved. We had a shortfall of 40 billion. That’s a loss.”
According to the president, ministry officials claimed the funds might be embezzled and chose to withhold them to prevent PAEEJ from accessing the full amount. “That’s what happened in the Ministry of Youth. I sent the Prime Minister to go and check, and he confirmed it was true,” Ndayishimiye added.
Despite this setback, the program has continued to show notable results. PAEEJ has funded nearly 4,000 projects to date, creating thousands of permanent jobs. It has also provided 4,014 internships, with 446 interns already employed, according to figures published on its website.
Among the success stories is Jean Paul Nshimirimana, chairman of KIPABUPA-RUGERO Ecologic Farm, a chicken-breeding association. He described the support received from PAEEJ as transformational for his organization. “PAEEJ greatly helped us reach where we are today. What we need now is autonomy, because oftentimes, loans are delayed due to decisions from other institutions,” he said.
Roland Rugero, Executive Director of local magazine Jimbere, also praised the program’s impact. “Since 2021, Jimbere Magazine had a project to help youth showcase their work. We’ve seen how youth-led projects bring real change.”
Yet, not everyone has benefited equally. Some young entrepreneurs expressed frustration over the funding selection process. One applicant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told BREAKING BURUNDI their proposal for a photography and video service project was rejected while a peer in the same field was approved. “We ask PAEEJ that when they give feedback like this, it would be good if they could also explain the reasons why a proposal was rejected, with coaching on how to improve it,” they said.
When contacted for further clarification, PAEEJ’s communication official decline to comment, saying: “We don’t provide information over the phone.”
PAEEJ’s National Coordinator, Désiré Manirakiza, has said the program is preparing new initiatives that will generate employment for thousands, with each project expected to employ up to 100 young people. “We’ve already launched initiatives for breeding rabbits, pigs, and chickens—projects that will be led by young people,” he said.
President Ndayishimiye assured that PAEEJ will continue beyond its initial mandate, calling the past four years a foundational phase. “From now on, many projects that contribute to national development will be implemented under PAEEJ. This program requires proper funding and autonomy, and the government will supervise its activities,” he said, adding: “The time has come—it was a trial run, but now it is gaining momentum.”
The president also shared his vision for the future of Burundian youth, expressing hope that they will be at the center of the country’s development. “You are the youth of today, but you are also creating the future,” he said. “You are shaping tomorrow. Now I clearly see that there is hope, because you are demonstrating it.”
As a strategic government initiative, PAEEJ continues to empower young people through vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and job creation. The program integrates digital tools, mentorship, and access to markets while collaborating closely with public institutions, the private sector, and development partners. It is part of a broader national strategy to make youth the driving force behind Burundi’s economic and social transformation.
Leave a comment