The bank noted that the Burundi government is committed to shifting the country towards stability following over 10 years of war.

‘Burundi’s decade-long conflict resulted in the destruction of key economic and social infrastructure, leaving over 60% of the country’s population in poverty,’ said Albert Zeufack, World Bank sector manager for economic policy and governance.

‘Since 2005, the country has taken a series of important steps to improve stability, governance and to lay foundations for economic development.’

The grant approved this week is the second of three that will support implementation of the Burundi government’s poverty reduction strategy.

It includes three pillars: improved PFM and budget transparency; the promotion of private sector development and economic diversification; and the creation of an effective and well-targeted safety net to cope with external shocks such as food price increases and drought.