ECCAS participation in the Celebration of the Inkerebutsi Day in Burundi.

Bujumbura 13 December 2025 (Republic of Burundi) -The President of the Evariste Ndayishimiye Republic and Ambassador Dr. Ezechiel Nibigira, Chairman of the ECCAS Commission, chaired the Inkerebutsi Day ceremonies and the closing of the Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security. The event was marked by a mobilising speech by the Head of State and the award of young entrepreneurs.

A Day to Honour Youth Engagement

On a visit to Burundi, the Chairman of the ECCAS Commission, Ambassador Dr. Ezechiel Nibigiraparticipated in Bujumbura on Saturday 13 December in the Inkerebutsi-Day ceremonies and the closing of the continental dialogue on youth, peace and security. The ceremonies were enhanced by the presence of the President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye.

This day was an opportunity to celebrate courageous, committed and committed youth for development. Named Inkerebutsi Day, it is also an opportunity to congratulate the President of the Republic, who initiated this day to raise awareness among young people to get to work.

Presidential call for autonomy and entrepreneurship

In a mobilising speech, President Evariste Ndayishimiye sent a strong message to Burundian youth, congratulating them for demonstrating that "together, everything is possible". The Head of State then stressed the need for every citizen, especially young people, to take charge of the country's development.

He invited them to discover and exploit their talents, encouraging them to engage resolutely in the development of the nation. He warned against a dependency mentality: "If one wants to develop, one seeks its economic independence," he said, stressing that relying only on employment in the public service is not a path of development.

Young projects rewarded

On this occasion, the Chairman of the ECCAS Committee, Ambassador Dr. Ezechiel Nibigira, joined the President of the Republic for the award of the three best projects from the young entrepreneurial fabric:

1st Prize (20.000.000 FBu) The company D-TEKNO, for its project to manufacture machines of different kinds.

2nd Prize (15,000,000 FBu): Art in Life for plastic art.

3rd Prize (10.000.000 FBu): The sewing company Meri the Tailor.

In an effort to encourage a culture of financial responsibility, the Head of State also awarded prizes to five young people per province who had successfully repaid loans from the YEAP. This distinction underlines the importance of reliability and financial strength in the entrepreneurial journey.