A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) met with Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, in Bujumbura province on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This audience, held in Bujumbura province, saw the First Lady receive the delegation from the Economic Community of Central African States. During the audience, the CEEAC officially requested Mrs. Ndayishimiye to serve as the patron for activities involving women entrepreneurs from the Central African region. These events are scheduled to take place in Burundi later this year. The CEEAC specifically requested that she be the patron of these activities.
Foundation's Humanitarian Work
The CEEAC delegation's visit also aimed to gain insight into the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the First Lady's foundation, « Bonne Action Umugiraneza ». The delegation came to learn about the humanitarian activities of the First Lady's foundation. During discussions, Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye detailed some of the foundation's key activities. She specifically noted the provision of free cataract care, which is offered to the most disadvantaged members of the community, as part of « Bonne Action Umugiraneza »'s ongoing efforts. The First Lady recalled the free cataract care provided for the most disadvantaged. The delegation expressed interest in understanding the scope and impact of these programs as they considered the First Lady's potential patronage.
Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative
The CEEAC delegation specifically requested Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye to sponsor a significant gathering of women entrepreneurs from the region. This large gathering of women entrepreneurs from the Central African region is a key focus of the CEEAC's initiative. Mrs. Ndayishimiye confirmed the request, stating, "Ils nous ont demandé d’être la marraine des activités des femmes entrepreneures de la région d’Afrique centrale qui seront menées ici au Burundi à la fin de cette année." (They asked us to be the patron of the activities of women entrepreneurs from the Central African region, which will be carried out here in Burundi at the end of this year.) This request shows the importance placed on her involvement by the regional economic community.
The planned event aims to promote female entrepreneurship, featuring sales exhibitions of artisanal products. These exhibitions will showcase items such as basketry, sewing, and textile manufacturing, noting the skills and businesses of women across the region. The event will focus on promoting female entrepreneurship through sales exhibitions of artisanal items like basketry, sewing, and textile manufacturing. This initiative is designed to empower women economically and foster regional trade. Mrs. Ndayishimiye conveyed a message of unity and solidarity for the initiative, urging participants to embrace a broader perspective. She remarked, "Ayez un amour sans frontières, l’amour de l’Afrique, l’unité de l’Afrique. Nous devons tous nous aimer car nous sommes un." (Have a love without borders, the love of Africa, the unity of Africa. We must all love each other because we are one.) Her words emphasized the pan-African spirit intended to underpin the entrepreneurial efforts.
CEEAC Leadership and Support
The CEEAC delegation was led by Ezéchiel Nibigira, who serves as the organization's president. Ezéchiel Nibigira is the president of the CEEAC and led the delegation, spearheading the official request for Mrs. Ndayishimiye's patronage. Among the delegates was Nelly Banaken Eleme, the CEEAC commissioner responsible for gender promotion, human development, and health. Nelly Banaken Eleme is the CEEAC commissioner in charge of gender promotion, human development, and health, and her presence showed the initiative's focus on women's empowerment and regional development. The leadership's involvement notes the significance the CEEAC places on fostering female entrepreneurship within the Central African region, recognizing its potential for economic growth and social progress.
Praise and Future Collaboration
The CEEAC delegation assured Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye of their continuous support for upcoming initiatives focused on the health of Burundians and all African populations. The CEEAC assured the First Lady of their lasting support for future initiatives dedicated to the health of Burundians and all African peoples. The delegation additionally extended an invitation to the First Lady to visit the hospital providing free ophthalmological care. The delegation also invited her to visit the hospital offering free ophthalmological care. This invitation aligns with the CEEAC's expressed commitment to public health and humanitarian efforts across the region. The organization emphasized its readiness to collaborate on future projects that benefit the well-being of the communities involved, reinforcing the partnership between the CEEAC and the First Lady's humanitarian work.