The IATP has achieved substantial policy wins, which you can learn more about here. Between 2016 and 2021, the Burundian government banned exports of food products, cement, and corn seeds and the importation of fertiliser. These protectionist policies significantly damaged a nation with an average annual income of around just US$700.
In the words of Dr Franck Arnaud Ndorukwigira, Editorial Manager at Centre for Development and Enterprises (CDE) Great Lakes, based in Bujumbura, Burundi “faced with growing protectionism, the CDE Great Lakes in partnership with IATP stood up to defend trade openness and free trade.”
A mass campaign followed to shift public opinion in favour of freer trade.
Within a few months, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism began to champion the policy proposals put forth by CDE Great Lakes in a paper financially supported by the IATP. After much debate within the government and with public pressure mounting, a few months ago it was announced that the bans on importing and exporting the products were overturned.
As a result, many food shortages have ended, domestic industries are expanding, and farmers can finally begin growing their crops again. Two weeks ago, as part of our joint project, CDE Great Lakes has also ensured that many foodstuffs are exempt from a 1.5 per cent tariff on products imported into Burundi.
If you would like to support our international work, click here, or contact IEA Head of Stakeholder Relations Alex Lee at [email protected]
