Businees in Burundi, mediating institutions of drivers of conflict?

Abstract

This thesis identifies the effects of four Dutch SMEs on development and peace in Burundi. A small-c case study design is used in order to answer the research question. The cases are Dutch SMEs who received a subsidy from the Private Sector Investment fund from the Dutch government. This study finds that the companies in this sample facilitated very limited inclusive, sustainable and broad-based development. The companies did facilitate economic development. None of the companies seemed to contribute to positive peace in Burundi. On the contrary, by not acting conflict sensitive, this study finds that the companies may be fueling conflict in the long run.