Bujumbura — Burundi plans to take over the coffee industry, blaming a drop in production on the alleged exploitation of farmers by the private sector in the past two decades.

“Since 1991, the government has not played any role,” environment, agriculture and livestock minister Déo-Guide Rurema said in the commercial capital, Bujumbura. “There are companies and private operators who are here just to do business and do not take farmers’ interests into account. The state will rewrite laws to reform the sector and increase revenue for the national treasury.”..

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.