K2K Burundi: Building entrepreneurial universities for a new generation
On Friday, 3 October 2025, the 3hi Africa offices in Bujumbura hosted the official launch of the Knowledge-to-Knowledge (K2K) programme. Representatives from universities and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands came together to celebrate the start of a new project supporting higher education and entrepreneurship in Burundi.
The K2K programme, a flagship initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands implemented through Orange Corners, is led by the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) of Maastricht University. Its ambition is both bold and practical: to transform Burundian universities into engines of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusion, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and market realities.
From demographic pressure to knowledge-driven growth
Burundi is experiencing a demographic change, with over 65% of its population being under 25. While youth unemployment appears low on paper, more than 85% of young people work in informal, low-income activities. K2K was designed to address this very challenge. It recognizes that universities must evolve from teaching institutions into innovation ecosystems, where learning is experiential, partnerships are active, and research leads to enterprise creation.
Opening session: shared vision, shared responsibility
The opening ceremony at the 3hi Africa office began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Bénitha Nitanga Bukuru, Director of Operations and Impact at 3hi Africa. Mr. Ted Hunink, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening human capital and inclusive growth under Burundi’s Vision 2040–2060. Dr. Ir. Huub Mudde, representing MSM, elaborated on MSM’s role in building institutional capacity for entrepreneurship education across Africa.
Universities as catalysts of ecosystem growth
In the afternoon, Mr. Nkurikiye moderated an institutional roundtable on “Le rôle des universités dans le développement de l’écosystème entrepreneurial au Burundi.” The discussion brought together rectors and senior delegates from four major universities: Université Lumière de Bujumbura, Université de Ngozi, Université Espoir d’Afrique, and Université du Burundi. Each delegate shared insights on their institutions’ entrepreneurial efforts, identifying synergies and defining contributions to the K2K agenda.
During the event the spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness was strong, and the participants expressed the hope that all universities will be fully engaged in the next stages of the programme.
Closing reflections: a shared commitment to transformation
The event concluded with remarks by Ms. Larissa Byll-Cataria, Executive Director of 3hi Africa and National Coordinator of the K2K programme. She celebrated the active engagement of all stakeholders and called for sustained collaboration:
“From these offices today begins a new generation of universities — ones that will not only teach, but build. We are crafting a culture where Burundian students become builders of impact, not survivors of circumstance.”
As the participants left the 3hi Africa offices, they shared a common feeling: K2K is more than a programme, it brings together knowledge, learning, and youth potential to support national development.
Photos: 3hi Africa
The project is funded by RVO and is part of the Orange Corners Program. The project is led by MSM in close cooperation with local partners CTJEBU (Chambre Transversale des Jeunes Entrepreneurs du Burundi) and 3HI Africa, both of which bring strong connections to the Burundian entrepreneurship ecosystem. By building institutional and human capacity in higher education, the project aims to transform Burundian universities into engines of innovation and job creation, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and opportunity-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.
MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
This institutional collaboration project is part of MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies. The department is an expert centre on sustainable private sector development in emerging and developing markets. We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.
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