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FrOn March 3, 2026, Burundi Career Bridge (BUCB), in collaboration with RECADEC East Africa, convened government education officials, secondary schools, universities, the private sector, young students and graduates, and development partners at Hôtel Source du Nil. This gathering marked a decisive step toward making career guidance a strategic pillar of national development.
With more than 50% of East African graduates not meeting labor market needs and 40% of Burundian high school students navigating their studies without structured guidance, the urgency to act is clear. The shared objective is to institutionalize career guidance so that every Burundian talent becomes a driver of sustainable growth.
Kelhia Keza, Director of Burundi Career Bridge, reaffirmed the mission of her organization: reducing unemployment by aligning young people’s aspirations with real labor market needs while fostering innovation. For her, career guidance is a strategic tool to transform human capital and position youth at the heart of Burundi Vision 2040–2060.
Dr. Yves Ndayikunda, President of RECADEC East Africa, placed this initiative within a broader continental context. Citing the IMF, World Bank and OECD, he emphasized that by 2050, one in five workers worldwide will be African. East Africa is becoming a major reservoir of talent, but this potential must be cultivated, guided and connected. He praised Burundi Career Bridge for creating a space where ambition meets opportunity and where young people are supported to build, not just encouraged to dream.
The event also highlighted the importance of technical and vocational professions, notably through remarks by H.E. Michel Wimmer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, who underscored the value of initiatives such as Umwuga n’Akazi.
By bringing together public institutions, the private sector, universities, international partners and civil society, this event demonstrated that deep human‑capital transformation is possible when stakeholders unite around a shared vision. Career guidance emerges as a strategic lever, a tool for cohesion and a catalyst for development.
Burundi Career Bridge and RECADEC East Africa reaffirm their commitment to supporting, connecting and inspiring Burundian youth. Together, they are laying the foundation for a generation capable of innovating, building and carrying Burundi toward the ambitions of 2040–2060.