Bujumbura, Burundi, 4 August 2026 – The President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, received a high-level delegation led by H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of the Republic of Niger and AfCFTA Champion.

The discussions focused on the implementation of the AfCFTA, with particular attention to the status of signatures, ratifications and the effective implementation of the AfCFTA Protocols, which are essential to accelerating Africa’s economic integration.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, H.E. Wamkele Mene, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting Burundi in advancing its national development vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.

President Ndayishimiye reiterated his unwavering commitment to continental integration and reaffirmed Burundi’s support for initiatives aimed at addressing barriers to the implementation of the AfCFTA. He also underscored his ambition to ensure that the Agreement serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and shared prosperity across the African continent.