Mayors from the Great Lakes region convened in Ngozi on September 25, 2026, for the second day of their meeting, a significant gathering focused on regional advancement. The Plateforme des autorités locales des pays des grands lacs (PALPGL) organized the event, which addressed key regional issues pertinent to the socio-economic landscape. Discussions at the meeting primarily focused on the critical themes of inclusive development and enhancing cross-border trade, a sector vital to the local economy of the Great Lakes region. Cross-border trade is estimated to support over forty thousand households across the Great Lakes region, showing its profound significance for livelihoods and economic stability within the member countries. This substantial economic activity is considered a profession by a large segment of the population. The ongoing collaboration among the mayors and local authorities aims to foster improved conditions for these essential economic activities, recognizing their central role in regional prosperity.
Empowering Inclusive Development
During the meeting, Burundian Ombudsman Aimé Laurentine Kanyana was notably honored as the godmother of the Plateforme des autorités locales des pays des grands lacs (PALPGL). In recognition of her significant contributions, Ms. Kanyana received a certificate of honor for her remarkable support to the platform's activities and objectives. Ms. Kanyana delivered a compelling presentation on the key role of women in development activities, articulating a clear vision for progress. She emphasized that inclusive development should translate into concrete actions rather than remaining solely as speeches. "Le développement inclusif ne doit pas se limiter aux discours, mais doit également se traduire par les actes," Kanyana stated, noting the imperative for practical implementation.
She further noted the critical role of local authorities in supporting the population towards achieving inclusive development, stressing their direct influence on community well-being. Kanyana also urged local authorities to actively facilitate women's initiatives, ensuring their access to opportunities for agricultural and economic activities. This, she explained, is fundamental to fostering genuine inclusivity. She stressed that population development requires consistent and unwavering support from authorities, provided without any form of discrimination, to ensure equitable growth for all citizens.
Facilitating Cross-Border Commerce
Presentations at the Ngozi meeting included an in-depth exposé on cross-border trade, a vital economic activity that underpins much of the regional economy in the Great Lakes area. Discussions noted that cross-border trade is practiced by a significant portion of citizens residing in neighboring cities and communes, making it a widespread and essential source of income and goods. This activity is key for local economies and directly impacts the livelihoods of countless individuals and families.
Local authorities play a key role in protecting and promoting cross-border trade, recognizing its importance for regional stability and growth. Their responsibilities include facilitating procedures necessary for trade, which helps streamline operations for traders. They are also tasked with ensuring the smooth circulation of goods and people across borders, a critical component of efficient trade. Authorities work to enhance information sharing among traders and relevant bodies, fostering transparency and cooperation. A significant aspect of their role involves working to reduce abuses that cross-border traders might face, actively handling complaints and ensuring their security as they conduct their business. These full measures are designed to create a more stable, predictable, and secure environment for trade across borders, benefiting both traders and the broader community.
Voices from the Region
The positive impact of local support was exemplified by the cooperative "Inguvu z’umukenyezi mw’iterambere," which initiated its activities with land generously provided by the Ngozi commune. This foundational support enabled the cooperative to develop sufficiently to access bank credits for its operations, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency and expansion. Clarisse Baricako, a representative of the cross-border traders cooperative at the Gatumba border post, shared an encouraging perspective, stating that positive relations between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) contribute significantly to the ease and efficiency of their trading activities. This sentiment was echoed by Félix Busoro, who heads a youth cooperative engaged in trade between Rubavu, Rwanda, and Goma, DRC. Mr. Busoro expressed appreciation for the facilities extended to traders, acknowledging how such support directly benefits their operations and promotes economic integration within the region. These testimonies show the tangible benefits of collaboration and supportive policies for cross-border commerce.