During the celebration of the Global Entrepreneurship Week which started on Monday, 12th November, Burundi entrepreneurs have agreed that this sector is developing in the country despite challenges.
Shaquille Mugisha: “The government should organize entrepreneurship-based competitions either in provinces or at the national level to promote the entrepreneurial spirit”.
Aimé Igiraneza, project manager at Burundi Business Incubator (BBIN) says their organization has supported more than 10,000 people since its beginning in 2010. “10,000 people have been trained and supported by BBIN since it was created. 219 cooperatives were formed at the national level, among them 86 in Bujumbura city center,” he says adding that those cooperatives have granted jobs to over 800 people.
Mr. Igiraneza says the lack of entrepreneurial spirit is the main challenge. “We receive a big number of young people who want to start their enterprises but few of them make it”.
He says that even those who are committed are tempted to give up when they get “good” jobs.
Shaquille Mugisha, a young entrepreneur, working in arts, says the government should encourage those who have already begun and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs. “The government should organize competition either in provinces or at the national level. This would not only help entrepreneurs to display what they are doing but also inspire young people who are passionate about entrepreneurship,” she says.
Mr. Mugisha also calls on the government to help entrepreneurs to further with their studies and improve their skills. “The government should help entrepreneurs find scholarships and fellowship and also support them when they need to participate in competitions organized at the international level so that they should network with others”.
During this celebration week, BBIN has organized coaching sessions towards young people from different backgrounds. Over 80% of them are aspiring entrepreneurs.
IWACU Open Data
