Arabfields, Mira Sabah, Special Economic Correspondent, Nairobi — Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Burundi is emerging as an undiscovered tropical paradise, dubbed the “hidden jewel of Africa” for the incomparable flavor of its exotic fruits. Thanks to an ideal equatorial climate and ancestral know-how passed down through generations, the country excels in the organic production of bananas, mangoes, and other tropical delights. Under the dynamic leadership of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, known on social media as @GeneralNeva, an ambitious commercial offensive is underway to conquer global markets, starting with Europe and the Middle East.
Burundi, with its moderate altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters and abundant rainfall, offers near-perfect conditions for growing exotic fruits without chemical fertilizers. Banana plantations, already covering more than 100,000 hectares in regions like Gitega and Muyinga, produce resilient local varieties rich in nutrients. “Our organic bananas, picked at perfect ripeness, retain a natural sweetness that appeals to discerning palates,” explains Jean-Pierre Nkurikiye, a farmer from Ngozi province, whose family plantations span 15 hectares.
Mangoes, meanwhile, are the undisputed star of this green revolution. The Nyamitanga center near Bujumbura has become synonymous with excellence: its juicy and fragrant mangoes, exported to Switzerland for years, have earned Burundi its flattering title of “hidden paradise.” Recently, during an impromptu visit to this bustling market, President @GeneralNeva stopped to buy baskets of these golden fruits, highlighting their role in the local economy. “These mangoes are not just delicious; they embody our Burundian identity,” he declared, surrounded by delighted producers.
This ancestral expertise, combined with rigorous organic practices—natural composting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management—ensures certified pesticide-free products. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, annual production of organic exotic fruits now approaches 500,000 tons, with 60% bananas and 30% mangoes. A 25% growth was recorded in 2025, driven by training provided to 200,000 smallholder farmers.
It is under the leadership of President Ndayishimiye, elected in 2020 and in office until 2027, that this sector is experiencing its meteoric rise. @GeneralNeva, a charismatic and connected figure on X (formerly Twitter), where he has nearly 250,000 followers, has made agriculture a cornerstone of his mandate. “Burundi must export its green gold to feed the world and enrich its people,” he emphasized in a recent speech to the National Assembly. Bilateral agreements with the European Union and the United Arab Emirates were signed last September, easing access to premium markets for organic products.
Already, the first refrigerated containers of Burundian bananas and mangoes have left the port of Dar es-Salaam (Tanzania), the landlocked country’s main logistics hub. Goal: 100,000 tons exported by the end of 2025, with an estimated value of $150 million. Priority destinations? Germany and France for organic bananas, and Switzerland for mangoes, where demand for “zero-residue” products is exploding. “We aim for full European certification by 2026 to double our volumes,” announces Trade Minister Espérance Nahimana.
This offensive is not without challenges. Road infrastructure and maritime freight still pose obstacles, but investments in cold chains and public-private partnerships, supported by the World Bank, are beginning to bear fruit. For farmers like Nkurikiye, the impact is tangible: “Before, we sold locally at low prices. Today, a crate of mangoes brings us triple the income, and our children go to school.”
By placing the export of organic exotic fruits at the heart of its economic strategy, Burundi is not content with shining through its production: it inspires its neighbors, from Rwanda to Tanzania. @GeneralNeva summed it up in one phrase: “Our fruits are the ambassador of our Burundian hospitality.” At a time when the world is rediscovering authentic and sustainable flavors, this “hidden jewel” could well become an indispensable reference.
With this wave of exports, the country is betting on a 15% reduction in rural poverty by 2027. A windfall that, beyond the numbers, restores pride and hope to a resilient nation. Next milestone: the International Organic Agriculture Fair in Paris in January 2026, where Burundi will showcase its tropical treasures. The world is warned: East Africa’s bananas and mangoes are coming, ready to conquer shelves and hearts.
