By Ajong Mbapndah L
Burundi is stepping onto the global investment stage with renewed confidence—and a sharpened message: it is ready, open, and strategically positioned for business.
On April 23, 2026, Chicago will host the 10th edition of the Africa Speaker Series, a high-level forum increasingly recognized as a gateway for U.S.–Africa commercial engagement. This edition turns the spotlight squarely on Burundi, as government officials, investors, and diaspora leaders converge to explore one of East Africa’s most under-the-radar opportunity markets.
At the heart of this push is President Évariste Ndayishimiye, whose administration has been quietly but deliberately reshaping the country’s economic narrative—from post-crisis recovery to proactive investment diplomacy.
A Diplomatic and Economic Offensive
Leading Burundi’s charge in Chicago is H.E. Jean Bosco Barege, the country’s Ambassador to the United States, who will deliver the keynote address. His presentation is expected to go beyond broad promises, offering a detailed, sector-by-sector breakdown of bankable projects and policy direction.
This is not just a showcase—it is a calculated outreach effort aimed at converting interest into capital, partnerships, and long-term presence.
Inside Burundi’s Investment Playbook
Burundi’s value proposition is rooted in both resource wealth and strategic necessity. At the forefront is its mining sector, particularly rare-earth and critical minerals—resources that are rapidly becoming geopolitical assets in the global race for clean energy and advanced manufacturing. As supply chains diversify away from traditional sources, Burundi is positioning itself as a credible new entrant.
Agriculture, long the backbone of the economy, is also being reimagined. With globally recognized coffee and tea, the country is inviting investment to scale production, modernize processing, and unlock higher export value.
Infrastructure presents perhaps the most immediate opportunity. From road networks and rail connectivity to housing and renewable energy, Burundi is opening up large-scale projects that could redefine its economic landscape while offering early-mover advantage to investors.
Notably, sectors such as healthcare and education are also on the table—signaling a broader development vision that goes beyond extractives and into human capital and social infrastructure.
The Kamanzi Factor: Turning Dialogue into Deals
Behind the platform is the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), a key driver of U.S.–Africa business connectivity. Steering the conversation is Dr Olivier Kamanzi, whose Africa Speaker Series has evolved into a results-oriented forum with a proven track record.
Under Dr Kamanzi’s leadership, these gatherings have moved beyond ceremonial diplomacy, consistently translating into trade missions, signed deals, and measurable job creation across multiple African markets.
This Burundi-focused edition is expected to follow that same trajectory—linking boardroom conversations in Chicago to on-the-ground investments in Bujumbura and beyond.
A Convergence of Policy, Business, and Academia
The forum’s strength lies in its diversity of voices. Alongside diplomats are city officials, legal experts, entrepreneurs, and scholars, creating a multidimensional dialogue around investment, governance, and sustainable development.
The partnership with Northeastern Illinois University and its Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora adds intellectual depth—ensuring that discussions are grounded not only in profit, but also in policy, ethics, and long-term impact.
From Networking to Execution
What sets the Africa Speaker Series apart is its emphasis on outcomes. Participants will engage directly with Ambassador Barege, gain privileged insight into priority sectors, and secure pathways to participate in upcoming trade missions to Burundi. The objective is clear: move from conversation to commitment.
Burundi’s Inflection Point
For Burundi, this moment carries both promise and pressure. For decades, it has remained on the periphery of major investment flows, overshadowed by larger regional economies. But under President Ndayishimiye, the country is recalibrating—leveraging stability, reform signals, and resource potential to attract a new class of investors.
The Chicago forum represents more than a diplomatic appearance; it is a statement of intent. If the momentum generated translates into tangible deals and sustained engagement, Burundi may well transition from overlooked to opportunity-rich—quietly but decisively claiming its place on Africa’s evolving investment map.
See you soon!