BURUDIGI project launched to empower Burundian youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills
The Maastricht School of Management (MSM) is proud to be part of the newly launched BURUDIGI project, an ambitious initiative designed to equip Burundian youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills for enhanced employability and business creation. The official kick-off event took place in Bujumbura, bringing together key stakeholders, including government representatives, project partners, and digital entrepreneurs.
Funded by the European Union, the BURUDIGI project is a collaborative effort between MSM, HITECH Solutions (CFITECH), BBIN, OPDE, CTJEBU, and the Digital Learning Hub. Over the next 36 months, the project will focus on three main pillars:
- Digital hub development: A dedicated space for digital learning and innovation.
- Training in digital and entrepreneurial skills: Courses in digital marketing, coding, and business development to bridge the digital skills gap.
- Support for digital startups: Providing resources and mentorship to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
A strategic initiative for Burundi’s future
The launch event featured the attendance from high-level officials, including representatives from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports, and Culture, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of National Education and a Representative of the European Union. The Assistant to the Minister officially inaugurated the project, recognizing its crucial role in fostering economic diversification, employment, and youth empowerment.
Representing MSM, Huub Mudde, project director of the BURUDIGI project, emphasized the transformative potential of digital skills for Burundi’s young population. He encouraged participants to fully engage in the initiative, which will provide a gateway to global job opportunities and digital entrepreneurship.
The event also included a SWOT analysis of Burundi’s digital landscape, highlighting:
- Strengths: Expanding digital infrastructure, youthful population (60% under 25), and mobile phone penetration.
- Weaknesses: Limited internet access, digital skills gaps, and financial constraints for entrepreneurs.
- Opportunities: Government support, increased online learning opportunities, and rising interest in digital jobs.
- Threats: Cybersecurity risks, technological dependency, and international competition.
Strong support and future prospects
Following the event, the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi expressed interest in the initiative, exploring potential collaborations to scale its impact. This recognition underscores the strategic importance of digital skills in driving economic growth and employment.
The BURUDIGI project aligns with MSM’s commitment to capacity building and sustainable development in emerging economies, further strengthening its role in bridging education and entrepreneurship.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
This institutional collaboration project is part of MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies. The department is an expert centre on sustainable private sector development in emerging and developing markets. We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.
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