Buhumuza Province has initiated a strategic plan to realize its Vision 2040-2060, focusing on economic development and local empowerment. The province is actively deploying this strategy to concretize the ambitious Vision 2040-2060. The strategy is being implemented under the leadership of Governor Denise Ndaruhekere, who is at the forefront of these provincial development efforts. Buhumuza, a province bordering Tanzania, is leveraging its agricultural sector as a primary economic driver. Governor Ndaruhekere affirmed that "l’agriculture de [Buhumuza] est le moteur central de l’économie locale," showing the vital role of farming in the region's prosperity. In the Commune de Cankuzo, women are actively participating in this strategy by cultivating both food crops and cash crops, including coffee and avocado, to boost local livelihoods and enhance food security.
Infrastructure and Governance Overhaul
Buhumuza Province is undertaking significant infrastructure and governance improvements, including the construction of a five-story provincial office, with provisions for expansion to seven stories. This new provincial office is a cornerstone of the administrative modernization plan. Concurrently, efforts are focused on rehabilitating several residences and public buildings across multiple communes. Governor Denise Ndaruhekere stated that "plusieurs résidences et bâtiments publics récupérés auprès de particuliers ont été réhabilités dans les communes de Muyinga, Ruyigi et Butaganzwa pour abriter les services administratifs." These rehabilitated structures are intended to house administrative services, improving efficiency and access for citizens.
Road infrastructure is also a key area of focus, with rehabilitation efforts concentrated on the RN21 and RN13 main axes. These national roads are key for regional connectivity and trade. Additionally, the province is implementing communal tracing initiatives for inter-communal and inter-hilly tracks to improve local connectivity, facilitating easier movement of people and goods. The execution of works on National Road 21 (RN21) is notably contributing to the opening up of the region and fostering local tourism dynamism, according to officials. The Commune de Butaganzwa has outlined an investment plan totaling 210 billion Burundian francs aimed at modernizing its public services. This full plan includes several new constructions and upgrades designed to transform the commune's administrative and social landscape.
In Butaganzwa, a new communal office is planned, alongside a boarding facility at the Centre de formation professionnel (CFP) set to open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Other planned facilities include new hill offices, a communal prosecutor's office, a High Court (TGI), and residence courts in each zone, aiming to decentralize justice services. The commune also intends to construct an abattoir and modern markets in Muriza and Biyorwa, which will support the local economy and improve food processing infrastructure. Butaganzwa commune has committed to guaranteeing at least one school per hill, endogenous school feeding programs to support student nutrition, and a communal library to foster education and literacy.
Digitalization initiatives are central to Butaganzwa's strategy. Onésime Ngendandumwe detailed plans for "la numérisation intégrale des services d’état civil, l’équipement des chefs de colline en tablettes et kits solaires, l’implantation de « maisons communautaires intelligentes » et le soutien continu aux coopératives." These measures aim to streamline administrative processes, enhance community resources through smart communal houses, and empower local leaders with technology.
Further infrastructure developments in Butaganzwa involve the rehabilitation of bridges, the installation of solar street lights to enhance public safety and energy efficiency, and ongoing maintenance of the road network. The commune also plans for the deployment of fiber optic internet and 4G/5G mobile connectivity, ensuring modern communication infrastructure. Healthcare infrastructure is set to expand with the construction of both a communal hospital and a district hospital within Butaganzwa, significantly improving access to medical services for residents. Beyond healthcare, in the commune of Butaganzwa, plans are underway to supply potable water to all 45 hills, install 10 public water fountains, and construct 450 modern latrines, addressing essential public health and sanitation needs. Onésime Ngendandumwe stated that the commune also intends to "ériger une micro-centrale hydro-électrique, électrifier le territoire via des énergies renouvelables et semi-mécaniser l’exploitation minière," pointing towards sustainable energy solutions and modernizing the mining sector.
In the Commune de Cankuzo, which serves as the provincial capital of Buhumuza, authorities are committed to resuming the development of roadside areas. This includes paving urban roads and refurbishing the facades of buildings to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the town and improve the urban environment.
Agricultural and Economic Development
Buhumuza Province is intensifying efforts to boost agricultural output and local economic development, encouraging each household to plant avocado trees. Governor Denise Ndaruhekere stated that "chaque ménage est incité à planter au moins 10 pieds par homme, 5 par femme et 2 à 3 par enfant." This initiative aims to increase cash crop production across the province, contributing to household incomes. Concurrently, joint actions with the Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR) are being intensified to improve revenue collection and economic oversight, ensuring financial stability and compliance.
Youth in the province are organizing into cooperatives, supported by the Programme d’autonomisation économique et d’emploi des jeunes (Paeej), to foster economic independence and create employment opportunities. Women are also forming savings and credit associations to facilitate financial inclusion. Governor Ndaruhekere noted that "les femmes se regroupent en associations d’épargne et de crédit, bien qu’elles se heurtent à l’éloignement des agences de la Banque d’investissement et du développement des femmes (BIDF) situées à Gitega et Bujumbura." This notes a challenge in accessing financial services despite the women's collective efforts, due to the geographical distance to the BIDF agencies.
Economic indicators show positive trends in some areas; for example, revenues from a single local market in the Commune de Butaganzwa increased significantly from 25 million to 60 million Burundian francs, demonstrating strong local economic activity. To further industrialize its agricultural sector, the Commune de Butaganzwa plans to establish three processing factories: one for corn flour, one for fruits, and another for milk, adding value to local produce and creating jobs.
Agricultural diversity is a key strength for Buhumuza. The Commune de Gisagara possesses fertile marshlands well-suited for rice cultivation, contributing significantly to food security for the province. In the Mishiha zone, oil palm and sorghum are primary crops. Japhet Nzirubusa explained that "la zone Mishiha excelle dans la culture du palmier à huile et du sorgho, ce dernier étant vendu à la Brarudi, tout en signalant le développement des potagers familiaux." This commercial link provides a steady market for local produce, particularly for sorghum supplied to Brarudi, a major brewery.
Environmental conservation and sustainable farming practices are also being promoted. In the Commune de Gisagara, Thursday has been designated as a day for tracing contour lines, a critical step in soil erosion control. The administrator of Gisagara confirmed that "le jeudi a été décrété journée dédiée au traçage des courbes de niveau et que l’usage des fosses compostières (nyabarega) est rigoureusement contrôlé." These measures are designed to combat soil erosion and enhance soil fertility through organic methods. Livestock markets also contribute substantially to the local economy, with the Mishiha zone’s cattle market generating up to three million Burundian francs daily, indicating a vibrant trade in livestock.
Tourism and Environmental Initiatives
Major projects are underway to develop Buhumuza Province's tourism sector, according to Governor Denise Ndaruhekere. She noted plans for modernizing reception infrastructure at Ruvubu National Park, developing the shores of Lake Bweru, enhancing hot springs, and promoting pilgrimages to Muyaga Hill in Cankuzo commune. These initiatives aim to attract both national and international visitors, boosting the local economy.
In the Commune de Gisuru, residents have significantly invested in oil palm cultivation, recognizing its economic potential. Additionally, pineapple cultivation has expanded across the Kumoso hills within the Gisuru commune, diversifying agricultural output. Youth in Gisuru have engaged in pineapple farming, supported by approximately 400 million Burundian francs in funding from the Paeej program, complemented by local capital. This substantial investment has allowed young farmers to establish and expand their pineapple operations. Each zone in Gisuru now cultivates over 2 hectares of pineapples along contour lines, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and productive farming practices.
Local administration is also encouraging households to increase plantations of avocado, coffee, and tea trees, further diversifying cash crops and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. In the Kabigiga valley on Mugozi hill, land in marshlands is pooled during the dry season, allowing for simultaneous sowing, watering, and harvesting. Anatolia Ndikumana explained that this land mutualization in the marshlands during the dry season maximizes yields under the technical guidance of agricultural monitors, ensuring efficient resource use. The production of organic compost through manure pits is also being practiced to address the shortage of chemical fertilizers, promoting ecological farming methods and reducing reliance on external inputs.
Voices from the Ground
The execution of works on National Road 21 (RN21) is contributing to the opening up of the region and fostering local tourism dynamism. This improved infrastructure is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and easier access to Buhumuza's attractions. In the Commune de Butaganzwa, plans are underway to supply potable water to all 45 hills, install 10 public water fountains, and construct 450 modern latrines, addressing fundamental needs for public health and sanitation. Onésime Ngendandumwe stated that the commune also intends to "ériger une micro-centrale hydro-électrique, électrifier le territoire via des énergies renouvelables et semi-mécaniser l’exploitation minière," signaling a move towards sustainable energy and modern industrial practices.
Butaganzwa commune has committed to guaranteeing at least one school per hill, ensuring widespread access to education. Endogenous school feeding programs are planned to support student nutrition, and a communal library will be established to foster learning and literacy within the community. In the Commune de Cankuzo, young people are submitting digital projects, indicating a focus on technological solutions for community development and a forward-looking approach to innovation.