‍How can we provide meaningful insights to support diversifying Burundi's exports?‍

A narrow trade basket means there is a need for diversifying Burundi's exports. Athena leveraged existing potential in agriculture and industrial sectors to diversify exports, and explore alternate sources of revenue. This six-year program had three phases. First, it selected export-oriented value chains in the greater Imbo region that would have a large socio-economic impact. Second, it deep-dived into identified value chains, assessing constraints and opportunities within markets; and third, designed interventions. The analytical framework used indicators reflecting market dynamics, trade competitiveness and social, environmental and economic impacts. It assessed the value chains using a market for poor (M4P) approach. This helped capture issues faced by small informal traders along with a gendered component to understand the unique inequities and vulnerabilities faced by women. The resulting Project Appraisal Report (PAR) included interventions, and a budget for implementation. It additionally provided benchmarks for outcomes, and a monitoring and evaluation framework.