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PARCEM Criticizes Burundi’s Fertilizer Import Rules, Warns of Economic Risks
By Andika Magazine（https://andikamagazine.net/author/boshirwa/）
October 22, 2026（https://andikamagazine.net/2026/10/22/）
2:43 PM
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Faustin Ndikumana, national director of the Burundian civil society organization PARCEM, has criticized new rules governing the importation of chemical fertilizers, warning that they could concentrate economic power in the hands of a few politically connected individuals and discourage investment.
“We, at PARCEM, felt compelled to speak out because we were surprised to see a document from the Ministry of Agriculture authorizing certain people to import chemical fertilizers from abroad,” Ndikumana said.
He questioned the criteria used to determine who qualifies to import fertilizers, particularly provisions that appear to favor people with large areas of land and certain cooperatives.
“What does a large farm mean? Where does it begin and where does it end? How many hectares must someone own to qualify?” he asked, arguing that the lack of clear definitions raises concerns about fairness and transparency.
Ndikumana also questioned whether cooperatives should automatically qualify for import permits, alleging that some are dominated by government officials and individuals linked to the ruling party.
“Why not allow capable businesspeople with the necessary experience to participate?” he said, noting that importing goods requires technical expertise, established supplier networks and knowledge of international procedures.
He warned that restricting access to fertilizer imports could reinforce what he described as a ‘crony economy’ , in which business opportunities are reserved for people with political connections.
According to Ndikumana, concentrating fertilizer imports among a small group could also give a few individuals disproportionate access to the country’s foreign currency, while increasing the risk of corruption, exploitation and financial misconduct.
He linked his concerns to broader questions about financial accountability, referring to the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) and warning that alleged financial irregularities must not be allowed to continue unchecked.
“We strongly condemn this approach because it is putting the country at risk,” Ndikumana said.
He added that policies perceived as favoring politically connected businesses could damage Burundi’s international reputation and discourage both domestic and foreign investors from committing capital to the country.
Ndikumana called for an end to what he described as the concentration of economic opportunities among a small group of people seeking to benefit from their positions of power.
“When a small group seeks to control the country’s economy for its own benefit, it restricts competition, blocks investment and undermines development,” he said, urging authorities to reconsider the approach.
The concerns raised by PARCEM center on whether Burundi’s fertilizer import policy will promote fair competition and improve access to agricultural inputs, or create additional barriers for independent businesses.
The allegations and concerns expressed by Ndikumana have not been independently verified.