TradeSphere Investments Company
Validation of the study on the certification and Enhancement of “umukeke” Fish from Lake Tanganyika
Bujumbura, March 17, 2026 – The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism, in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), organized a validation meeting for the study on the certification, labeling, and value chain development of “Umukeke” fish from Lake Tanganyika. The meeting brought together stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors, representatives of fishermen’s associations, and various private sector actors.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Pacifique Nshimirimana, Assistant to the Minister in charge of Trade, emphasized the cultural and economic importance of “Umukeke,” which is considered one of Burundi’s most iconic gastronomic products. He noted that the certification and labeling of this fish represent a strategic step toward ensuring product quality, strengthening food security, and facilitating access to international markets.
According to him, promoting local products is a key driver for achieving Burundi’s vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060. He further highlighted that this initiative will increase fishermen’s incomes, promote gastronomic tourism, and enhance Burundi’s reputation as a producer of high-quality products.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Andrew Mold, Director of the Sub-Regional Office of the Economic Commission for Africa, highlighted the immense potential of Lake Tanganyika. He noted that although Burundi records significant annual freshwater fish production, the country still has substantial opportunities to expand fish processing and export activities.
During the presentation of the study, consultant Juvént Ntumigomba explained that the “Umukeke” sector can be structured around seven value chains: fresh fish, smoked fish, dried fish, minced fish, fish sausages, fish powder, and canned fish. While some of these value chains already exist and require strengthening, others will need to be developed in the medium and long term through targeted investments. Among the key recommendations were strengthening producers’ capacities, improving compliance with international standards, developing packaging and labeling systems, and facilitating access to financing for fishermen and traders.
The discussions enabled participants to highlight several major challenges facing the fisheries sector, including limited financial resources, inadequate storage and preservation infrastructure, insufficient knowledge of value chain management, and restricted access to international markets due to the low number of certified products.
During the discussions, Mr. Gervais KWIZERA, Managing Director of TRADE SPHERE INVESTMENT COMPANY (SPRL), actively participated in the exchanges with other stakeholders to explore opportunities for developing and promoting Burundian fisheries products in both national and international markets. His contribution enriched the discussions on the prospects for processing, certification, and export of products derived from Lake Tanganyika.
Participants recommended that the Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN) strengthen awareness-raising activities, support the development of fisheries value chains, and establish a regulatory framework conducive to the sector’s growth. They also called upon technical and financial partners to reinforce monitoring, control, and regulatory mechanisms within the fisheries industry.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants officially validated the study report, marking an important milestone toward the certification and promotion of “Umukeke” fish as a flagship product of Burundi’s fisheries heritage.