About

Where I started

I grew up in Burundi and studied economics, finance and accounting at the University of Burundi, where I led the Club d’actualité économique in 2020–2021. An internship at the Banque de la République du Burundi, our central bank, from December 2021 to January 2022, gave me my first close look at financial analysis, banking operations and risk. It also gave me the question I still carry: who does the money actually reach?

What I do now

I’m a Finance and Administration Associate at an international supply company, where I have worked since February 2024. I support financial reporting, budget monitoring and the administration behind goods moving from Asia to Africa. It has taught me that trade finance isn’t abstract: it decides what reaches a shelf, and when.

Before that I worked in finance at Quick Witted Business Company, from May 2022 to July 2023, on budgets, reconciliations and performance tracking.

What my research found

For my MBA at an international university, I studied retail businesses in Bujumbura Mairie: “Evaluating the Relationship between Mobile Money Integration and Profitability of Retail SMEs”. I found that mobile money integration is strongly associated with SME profitability, and that the business environment matters.

Put simply: when money moves more easily, small businesses do better, but only as far as the system around them allows. That is why I care about who designs the system.

Why young people

Since 2023 I have sat on youth advisory bodies for international partners in Burundi, and chaired one of them for two years, from September 2023 to December 2025, completing the term with a certificate of appreciation. In these roles I facilitated discussions, led meetings and carried young people’s views to the people making decisions.

I came away convinced that being heard is not enough. Young people need a real share in the decisions, and in the budgets that follow them.

Since September 2022 I have served with Lions Clubs International. I also trained in leadership and entrepreneurship with YALI Nairobi, and hold the East Africa Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate.

What ties it together

My work, my research and my service ask the same question from three sides. At work, I see whether money reaches people. In my research, I measured how much the system decides it. With young people, I push for a seat where that system is designed, and a budget line to go with it.

Outside work

I read and listen to podcasts on personal growth, walk to clear my head, and travel whenever I can. Family and friends keep me grounded.

I speak Kirundi, French and English, and I’m learning Chinese.