Andika Magazine

10/09/2025

Burundi Takes Interim Leadership of Cecafa Football

The presidency of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) changed hands on Wednesday, as outgoing president Augustino Maduot formally handed over to Gen. Bde Pol Alexandre Muyenge, head of the Burundi Football Federation (FFB).

The ceremony, held at CECAFA headquarters in Nairobi, marked a new chapter for the regional football body. Gen. Muyenge will serve as interim president until the elective General Assembly scheduled for 2026.






Photos by Cecafa Football

10/09/2025

Burundi Loses 2–0 to Gambia in World Cup Qualifiers

Burundi’s national football team, Intamba Mu Rugamba, endured another tough night on Tuesday as they went down 2–0 to Gambia in Nairobi. The defeat, played out at Nyayo National Stadium under the evening lights, marks the team’s second consecutive loss in the World Cup qualifiers.

For Burundian fans watching back home at 9 p.m. Bujumbura time, the result was a hard pill to swallow. Despite flashes of determination, the team struggled to find their rhythm and could not turn the game in their favor.

But hope is far from lost. Burundi’s next test comes on home soil at the Intwari Stadium, where they will face Kenya. The upcoming clash promises to be more than just another game — it will be a chance for redemption, and perhaps, a turning point in the qualifiers.

📸Akeza Sports

09/09/2025

For years, residents of have struggled with dry taps and frequent water shortages. In response, REGIDESO promises to bring water from the hills surrounding the city straight into Bujumbura. On July 8, 2025, the utility’s Director General, Jean Albert Manigomba, visited the sites to check progress.

As REGIDESO affirms, water will be drawn from in the former commune and stored in two major tanks: one in and another at Kwa Ntiba in . Once completed, this project could significantly ease the city’s daily water supply problems. Pipes are already being installed, and the project is expected to finish in about a month and a half. Plans are also in place to dredge the Ntahangwa River to boost water availability.

Manigomba praised the workers for their dedication despite the steep terrain and urged them to keep pushing for timely completion.

By the way, when did you last see water flowing consistently from your tap? Can Bujumbura’s population finally expect a steady daily supply? And what does REGIDESO still need to turn this into a lasting solution, given that Burundi has plenty of clean water?

09/09/2025

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues this Tuesday, September 9, 2025, as Burundi takes on Gambia at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is set for 9:00 p.m. local time in Bujumbura.
This clash marks Matchday 8 of 10 in Group F of the African qualifiers. Burundi currently sits third in the standings, keeping their hopes alive for a historic World Cup berth, while Gambia trails in fifth place, fighting to stay in contention.
The two sides know each other well. Their last match in November 2023 ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Burundi, a result that still fuels the team’s confidence heading into this decisive encounter.

09/09/2025

In Burundi, World Breastfeeding Week was officially launched on September 08, 2025 by the Ministry of Public Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The event shined a light on the country’s strong commitment to maternal and child health.
Burundi has one of the highest exclusive breastfeeding rates in the world—83% in 2022—placing the country at the top globally. This milestone reflects years of effort to promote healthy feeding practices for infants.

Speaking at the launch, the UNICEF Deputy Representative stressed the importance of supporting mothers not only through healthcare services but also by engaging families and communities. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health echoed this call, urging mothers to make exclusive breastfeeding a priority for the well-being of their children.
To encourage new mothers, women in the maternity ward at Prince Regent Charles Hospital received donations designed to support exclusive breastfeeding.







Photos by WHO Burundi

08/09/2025

On Monday, July 8, 2025, FOMI, ’s main fertilizer producer, welcomed a delegation from led by Dr. Antony Diallo, head of the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority. The visit offered an opportunity for the two countries to exchange knowledge on fertilizer production and distribution.

FOMI’s CEO, Simon Ntirampeba, shared the company’s history and explained how it works with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment to help farmers access fertilizers. He described the government’s registration system, where farmers pay for fertilizers according to their needs, and highlighted how FOMI’s trucks deliver fertilizers across the country to make them more accessible.

During the visit, the Tanzanian officials asked whether FOMI could meet the nationwide demand for fertilizers and if other factories also produce them. Ntirampeba responded to these questions, giving a detailed overview of FOMI’s operations and distribution network.

Dr. Diallo expressed appreciation for FOMI’s collaboration with the government and banks in supporting farmers. He said the delegation gained valuable insights that will help improve fertilizer distribution in Tanzania and strengthen partnerships with companies like ITRACOM Fertilizer. The visit highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in agriculture and the efforts being made to make fertilizers more accessible to farmers.







Photos by FOMI

08/09/2025

What began as a small community basketball academy in just two years ago has now evolved into a national youth development model bridging sport, , and . The American Corner Holistic Basketball Diplomacy Initiative (ACBDI), supported by the U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi and implemented with Ubuntu - Village of Life, is transforming local courts into platforms for peace building, leadership, and inclusion across .

Launched in May 2023, the program has already reached more than 220 young people from four regions aligned with the country’s new administrative map. Through daily basketball training combined with leadership workshops, digital literacy, and community service, the initiative is equipping a new generation of Burundians with both athletic discipline and civic responsibility.

What began as a small community basketball academy in Bururi just two years ago has now evolved into a national youth development model bridging sport,

06/09/2025

The Minister of Education and Scientific Research, François Havyarimana, announced that the 2025–2026 school year will begin on September 15, 2025. The announcement was made on September 4 during a press briefing in .

According to results from the national exam granting access to post-basic education, Province ranked first with a pass rate of 89.25%, followed by (81.59%) and (81.14%). came last with 72.72%.

Ngagara Excellence School in Ntahangwa, Bujumbura, led nationally with a 100% success rate, while Lycée Technique de Buterere, also in Bujumbura, scored 0%. Eight of the ten lowest-performing schools were in Bujumbura city.

This year, 5,000 students will be admitted to boarding schools, with the threshold set at 98/200 points. For students from the Batwa community, the cutoff was adjusted to 70/200. The minister assured that learning materials and resources are in place.








📸: RTNB

06/09/2025

On September 4, 2025, Bancobu.SM welcomed 18-year-old Burundian tennis player Allan Terry Gatoto to its headquarters, where he was congratulated by CEO Trinitas Girukwishaka, Deputy CEO Dr. Frédéric Ntimarubusa, and members of the executive committee for his outstanding achievements.

Gatoto recently won the prestigious ITF Juniors J100 Hammam Sousse tournament in Tunisia on August 24, cementing his place among the world’s top young talents. Currently completing his secondary studies in the United States, he shared his ambition to pursue university education while advancing to the senior tennis circuit.

Bancobu, which has supported Gatoto for the past three years, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing youth, talent, and Burundian pride.








📸: BANCOBU

06/09/2025

The match between Côte d’Ivoire and Burundi ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for Intamba mu Rugamba.

Although the result was not in Burundi’s favor, the team showed determination and fighting spirit against a strong opponent.

What do you think about this result for Intamba mu Rugamba?

📸Akeza Sports

04/09/2025

On September 3, 2025, the Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Program (PAEEJ) welcomed a delegation from UNICEF Burundi for a conversation that went beyond formalities. At the table were also the Association of Women Engineers of Burundi (FIADI) and the Polytechnic Training and Professional Retraining Center of Rusi (CEFORE Rusi) — two organizations that play a vital role in shaping opportunities for young people and women in Burundi.

The discussions revolved around a shared vision: building a stronger environment where young people can grow, sharpening the skills they already have, opening doors to new transferable competencies, and tackling the persistent inequalities that hold many back.

For PAEEJ and UNICEF Burundi, this meeting was more than a courtesy call. It was about creating bridges between institutions and people, ensuring that young Burundians — especially women — are equipped not just for jobs, but for lasting careers and meaningful participation in society.

Together, the four institutions hope to transform ideas into action, weaving a network of support that empowers the next generation.

📸PAEEJ

03/09/2025

On September 2, 2025, the Ministry of Health of Burundi received a major logistical boost with the handover of two vehicles and 55 motorcycles, valued at 213,000 USD, from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The donation aims to improve vaccine distribution and strengthen the country’s health supply chain.
The donation followed an audience granted by Burundi’s Minister of Health, Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, to the Regional Director of the Africa CDC for Central Africa, Dr. Brice Bicaba, who was accompanied by his regional team and the Africa CDC representation in Burundi.
Discussions centered on the progress of Africa CDC’s activities in the country, particularly the second phase of the SSL program, and the need to consolidate an already strong partnership. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to reinforcing cooperation in order to enhance public health responses in Burundi.
This meeting and subsequent handover ceremony highlight the shared determination of Burundi and Africa CDC to strengthen health systems and improve the wellbeing of communities across the region.