Burundi's Council of Ministers convened on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Presidential Palace in Gitega. The Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, presided over the meeting, where eleven points were on the agenda. Among the key discussions was the approval of payment ceilings for expenses for the first quarter of the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The Minister of Finance, Budget, and Digital Economy presented this key financial framework to the council for review and adoption, outlining the budgetary parameters for the upcoming fiscal period.
Energy and Infrastructure Development
The Council of Ministers reviewed a draft public-private partnership contract between the State of Burundi and Baje Investment group 'BIG'. This contract pertains to the development of the Bweru Photovoltaic Power Plant, planned for Ruyigi commune in Buhumuza province. The plant is designed to have a capacity of 100MWc, complemented by a 20MW backup system, aiming to significantly boost the nation's energy supply and promote renewable energy sources. This project represents a substantial step towards enhancing Burundi's energy independence and sustainability.
Additionally, the council analyzed another public-private partnership contract proposal involving the State of Burundi and the Groupement unique construction-Mathu. This agreement focuses on the construction of the Rubirizi multifunctional bus station and its associated access roads. The Minister of Infrastructure, Social Housing, Transport, and Equipment presented the bus station project to the council for consideration, noting its potential to modernize urban transport infrastructure and improve connectivity. The development of such a central transport hub is expected to streamline public transportation services and facilitate commuter movement within the region.
A draft ministerial ordinance was also on the agenda, seeking to declare an 11 hectare, 20 are plot of land in Rongero hill as being of public utility. This land is designated to serve as the main base camp for Phase II of the standard gauge railway project in Burundi. This declaration is a critical step for the advancement of the railway project, providing the necessary operational base for its construction and logistical support. The Minister of Mining Resources, Energy, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism presented both the Bweru Photovoltaic Power Plant project and the land declaration proposal to the Council of Ministers for their analysis, emphasizing their strategic importance for national development.
Sectoral Governance and Public Utility
Burundi's Council of Ministers further analyzed several draft decrees addressing sectoral governance and public utility declarations. The council reviewed a draft decree proposing amendments to decree n°100/318 of December 22, 2011, which outlines the statutes of the Burundian Agency for Rural Electrification (Aber). These amendments aim to refine the agency's operational framework and enhance its effectiveness in extending electricity access to rural areas. Additionally, discussions included a draft decree to amend decree n°100/159 of November 05, 2018, pertaining to the statutes of the Regulatory Authority for Potable Water and Energy Sectors, seeking to strengthen regulatory oversight in these vital sectors.
The agenda also featured a draft decree for declaring the military camp site in Rukinga, located in Rumonge commune, Burunga province, as being of public utility. This designation shows the strategic importance of the site for national defense purposes. The council examined a draft decree intended to amend decree n°100/194 of December 24, 2018, which details the missions, organization, and functioning of Kamenge Military Hospital. These proposed changes are designed to optimize the hospital's services and administrative structure. A draft decree amending decree n°100/040 of March 03, 2020, concerning the missions, organization, and functioning of the Military Construction Agency, was also under consideration, aiming to improve the efficiency of military infrastructure projects. The Minister of National Defense and Veterans presented these various projects for the council's analysis and review, noting their significance for national security and military effectiveness.
Resource Management and Public Safety
The Council of Ministers analyzed a technical note regarding the necessity of valorizing old state-owned forests, specifically mentioning Gakara-Gahuni. This initiative aims to explore sustainable management and utilization strategies for these valuable natural resources. The Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock presented these projects for the council's review, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and resource optimization. Discussions also included a note on disaster management, with a particular focus on fires that affect public places. This key discussion aimed to strengthen preventative measures and emergency response protocols to protect citizens and public infrastructure. The Minister of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security presented this key note to the council, showing the government's commitment to public safety. The council analyzed several notes under the 'divers' section of the agenda, which included a review of hygiene and sanitation implementation strategies, reflecting a full approach to public health and well-being.
Social and Educational Notes
Burundi's Council of Ministers analyzed a note addressing the insufficiency of school desks and outlining a strategy for their multiplication. The discussion aimed to enhance learning conditions across the nation's educational institutions, ensuring that students have adequate facilities for their studies. The council reviewed a note concerning the orientation process for 7th-year students in public schools. This note also addressed the minimum passing score required for the national competition, a critical factor for students progressing through the education system. The ministers considered these proposals as part of ongoing efforts to improve both access and standards within the public education sector, striving to provide a strong foundation for the nation's youth.
