Burundi has natural and human resources to get out of poverty

Burundi, like many other countries, has sufficient material and human resources to develop but remains among poor countries. Hicham El Moussaoui appeals to youth to face the reality so as to find strategies to move forward.

Hicham El Moussaoui: “Burundi is well equipped to eradicate poverty and the youth are among the resources”

In his presentation in the regional workshop organised by the student for liberty in Bujumbura between 22-23 November 2017, Hicham El Moussaoui, Moroccan University lecturer, has raised the paradoxical situation prevailing in Burundi and many African countries. “Burundi like other African countries should be developed and independent economically. However, bad governance, lack of freedom of choice, and the huge taxes imposed on emerging entrepreneurs are mainly the causes of economic dependence”, he says.

El Mousaoui says no African leader should say colonizers are responsible for their economic critical situation. “No European comes here without African leaders’ approval. And they do not take anything without exchange. The reality is that leaders enrich themselves at the expense of the population”, he says.

The university lecturer recognises, however, the ability of young people to change the situation. “Youth have to face reality and find strategies to move forward. They have to take their responsibilities. In most African countries, they represent more than half of the total population. This means that those who are powerful are the minority. ”, he says.

Hyrvine Murame, a young entrepreneur encourages young people to follow their dreams and dare to become entrepreneurs despite the currently prevailing difficult situation.

Espoir Bindu, a participant from Congo, appreciates the initiative of this workshop. He says knowing the reality is the best way to start the process of handling a problem. “I think that the reason we fail to start a successful professional life is because we do not know exactly the reality”, he says.

As for Aimable Manirakiza, the regional director of Student for Liberty, there is hope in young people. “We believe in the ability of youth to boost the economic sector of the country and the whole region”, he says.

He also says the workshop is a great opportunity for young university students to get open to the real life and be well equipped to face the challenges from the experienced orators from all over the world.