Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye convened officials and cadres from the Ministry of Mines, Energy, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Ntare Rushatsi Presidential Palace to demand urgent reforms. During the meeting, President Ndayishimiye issued a stern warning regarding performance, showing the critical need for immediate improvements across the sector. He stated that "aucune défaillance ne serait désormais tolérée: tout cadre qui faillira à ses missions sera purement et simplement démis de ses fonctions, sans distinction d’ethnie, d’appartenance politique ou de genre." This directive indicates that any cadre who fails to fulfill their missions will be dismissed without regard for ethnicity, political affiliation, or gender, noting the President's commitment to meritocracy and accountability.
Sector Underperformance Detailed
President Evariste Ndayishimiye denounced the persistence of clandestine activities within the mines and geology sector. He noted that individuals and private companies are reportedly exploiting minerals illegally, occasionally utilizing heavy machinery without proper authorization. This illicit exploitation poses a significant threat to Burundi's national resources and deprives the state of potential revenue. The President emphasized that such activities would no longer be tolerated, calling for immediate and decisive action.
In the tourism sector, sites are described as degraded, with bureaucratic obstacles deterring potential investors. The President noted that only a limited number of locations, such as Kiganda commune and the Source of the Nile, have benefited from acceptable development. This lack of full development across other potentially lucrative sites hinders the sector's ability to contribute meaningfully to the national economy and attract foreign investment. The President's remarks showed the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to unlock the sector's full potential.
President Orders Strict Oversight
President Evariste Ndayishimiye ordered permanent surveillance to protect Burundi's national mineral heritage from illegal exploitation and ensure sustainable management. The President also demanded rigorous health monitoring for water and sanitation services, emphasizing the importance of public health and safety. Additionally, Ndayishimiye called for strict market control measures to counter price hikes orchestrated by speculators, aiming to protect consumers and stabilize the economy. The President further instructed the Bureau burundais de normalisation (BBN) to strengthen its crackdown on non-homologated manufactured products within the country, ensuring that all goods meet national quality and safety standards. These directives aim to address various challenges across critical economic sectors, ensuring greater oversight and accountability from relevant ministries and agencies. The emphasis on surveillance and control shows the government's intention to enforce regulations and protect national resources, fostering a more transparent and compliant economic environment.
Economic Expectations and Consequences
The sector is anticipated to generate 50% of public revenue, showing its key role in the national economy. This expectation places significant pressure on the Ministry of Mines, Energy, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism to enhance performance and ensure compliance across its various departments. Achieving this financial target relies heavily on addressing the inefficiencies and illicit activities noted by President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The reforms are therefore key for realizing the government's fiscal objectives and stabilizing public finances. The President's directives aim to streamline operations and maximize revenue collection from these key economic areas, ensuring the state benefits fully from its natural and industrial assets.
Ministerial Mandate and Vision
President Ndayishimiye stated the sector's current performance is significantly below the objective of generating 50% of total state revenue, describing its actual contribution as "very far" from this key target. He also noted that private companies are commercializing bottled water products without the required homologations, posing both a regulatory and health concern. The President demanded a substantial increase in electricity supply from Regideso, the national water and electricity utility, to meet the growing demands of the population and industry. Ndayishimiye called for the complete eradication of corruption within Regideso (Régie de production et de distribution d’eau et d’électricité), stressing that transparency and ethical conduct are critical for essential public services. These directives show the President's vision for improved governance and increased economic contribution from the ministry's purview, aiming for a more efficient, transparent, and productive economic landscape in Burundi.