On March 6, 2024, Her Excellency Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Kingdom of the Netherlands presented her letters of credence to His Majesty Willem Alexander, King of the Netherlands, marking the beginning of her tenure as Ambassador.
Ms. Ndahayo’s professional journey is an example of dedication to public service. Her career spans various roles, each contributing to her profound understanding of political, diplomatic, and community affairs. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador, she served as the Head of the Office in charge of Political and Diplomatic Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister in Burundi.
Her tenure as the Minister of East African Community Affairs from October 2017 to June 2020 further solidified her expertise in regional cooperation and integration efforts. As an Honorable Member of The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where she chaired the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources from 2012 to 2017, Ms. Ndahayo played an important role in shaping policies aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing regional cooperation within the East African Community.
Before her diplomatic and political roles, Ms. Ndahayo held key positions in capacity building and community development initiatives. As the Director of the Department of Training and Capacity Building of local actors in the Ministry of Local Development, she spearheaded efforts to empower grassroots communities and enhance their participation in local governance structures. Additionally, her volunteer work in various NGOs during her time as a refugee reflects her deep-rooted commitment to community service and social justice.
Ms. Ndahayo’s academic background complements her extensive professional experience. A University Degree holder in Management from Cooperative College Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania, she has continuously sought to expand her knowledge and skills through research and academic pursuits.
Her research on “Donor agencies in poverty reduction” and “Management and Marketing” underscores her dedication to addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development strategies. Furthermore, her participation in seminars and training programs on environmental assessment, project management, and security issues highlights her proactive approach to staying abreast of contemporary issues and emerging trends in global affairs.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Ndahayo is fluent in multiple languages, a skill that undoubtedly facilitates her diplomatic engagements and fosters effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
As she assumes her role as Ambassador of Burundi to the Netherlands, Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo brings with her a wealth of experience, a steadfast commitment to service, and a vision for advancing bilateral relations and promoting Burundi’s interests on the global stage.
