Burundi's National Assembly convened a plenary session on Monday, August 10, 2026, presided over by First Vice-President Fabrice Nkurunziza. The session focused on reviewing several reports from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) detailing economic conjuncture indicators. These reports noted performances and challenges in agricultural and industrial production, foreign trade, public finance, the monetary sector, and the banking sector. The full analysis aimed to provide deputies with a clearer understanding of the nation's economic landscape.
Examining Key Economic Indicators
The first report presented to the National Assembly analyzed Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) conjuncture indicators for October and December 2025. Deputy Célestin Niyonsaba, president of the permanent commission for good governance and privatization, presented this report. The document examined the evolution of production, prices, foreign trade, exchange rates, public finance, the monetary sector, interest rates, and banking sector solidity indicators. Analysis within the report indicated an increase in coffee and tea production during October and December 2025. Conversely, industrial production registered a decrease, primarily attributed to underperformance in chemical industries.
Ernest Niyokindi, president of the permanent commission for political affairs, administrative affairs, external relations, and the East African Community, subsequently presented a report on BRB conjuncture indicators as of January 2026. The commission's conclusions noted that coffee and tea production at the end of January 2026 had decreased compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline showed ongoing challenges within key agricultural sectors. Pacifique Ndihokubwayo, vice-president of the permanent commission for education, youth, sports and leisure, culture and communication, then presented an analysis of the BRB note on economic conjuncture indicators as of February 2026. This commission met on June 15, 17, and 18, 2026, to analyze the note comparing Burundi's economic and financial situation between February 2025 and February 2026.
Challenges in Agricultural and Industrial Sectors
The Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) note indicated a decrease in green leaf tea production by the Office du Thé du Burundi (OTB). This decline occurred as production forecasts for tea were not met, partially due to insufficient labor available for harvesting. The report noted that some tea growers have abandoned or uprooted their plantations, contributing to the sector's difficulties. The underperformance in industrial production, particularly within chemical industries, also signaled broader economic headwinds.
To address these issues, the commission recommended strengthening mechanization within the tea sector. The body also proposed implementing incentive measures for tea growers, drawing parallels to existing programs designed to support coffee growers. These recommendations aim to revitalize tea production and encourage farmer retention in the industry, thereby boosting agricultural output.
Legislative Preparations and Future Outlook
Deputy Fabrice Nkurunziza, First Vice-President of the National Assembly, stated that examining these reports helps deputies better understand the national economy's sectors. He emphasized that this understanding should help deputies better prepare questions for government members during sessions dedicated to open questions to ministers. This proactive approach ensures that legislative oversight is well-informed and targeted.
Deputies also adopted the parliamentary commission's activity calendar, which had been elaborated on Friday, August 7, 2026, by the expanded bureau of the National Assembly. This calendar outlines the upcoming legislative work and further shows the commitment of the National Assembly to its oversight responsibilities and its role in monitoring the nation's economic health. The session concluded with a clear mandate for continued scrutiny of economic trends and a focus on solutions to foster sustainable growth.