In a country where doing business is almost impossible, Papa Coriandre proves to be the exception to the rule

According to the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, Burundi ranks 170 out of 176 countries. The results show that the African country has a "repressed" economy and "performs below world averages in many of the 10 economic freedoms." Starting a business would seem to be a difficult and somewhat illogical decision in this context. However, Papa Coriandre decided not to let that deter him.

His story of self-improvement and his entrepreneurial spirit is compiled in the documentary that bears his name and was produced by Atlas Network, an organization that promotes free markets around the world and has more than 500 independent think tanks around the world.

The short film will be featured at FreedomFest's Anthem 2023 Film Festival, a multi-national event bringing together more than 2,500 people and 250 speakers July 12-15 in Memphis.

Who is Papa Coriandre?

Nicknamed for his passion for the spice (coriander in French), he dreamed of being an entrepreneur and helping his community from an early age. Of course, the scenario was not easy: commercial registration requires a $20 fee (bearing in mind that the country's GDP per capita is $250) and the completion of more than a dozen bureaucratic forms.

"I wanted to be prosperous. So I set up a business to create jobs for myself and for others, " said the entrepreneur, who developed a signature juice based on ginger, honey, and, of course, coriander.

"As in much of the developing world, crushing regulatory requirements in the east-central African country of Burundi have made it difficult or even impossible for entrepreneurs to formally register their business. Failing to register marks these individuals and their enterprises as part of the 'informal market', a legal twilight zone introducing numerous obstacles and difficulties for aspiring business owners," explained Atlas Network.

"Banks refuse to offer financing or credit for these operations, and business people in the informal economy face a constant risk of harassment, property destruction, and even imprisonment by the authorities," they added.

In this bleak context, Papa Coriandre emerged, refusing to give up his dream even after spending time in jail for being in the underground economy.

Once on the outside, he formalized the business with his wife, obtained access to credit, and was able to hire employees to increase production of this attractive juice, which is packaged in recycled bottles of popular brands of beer and other beverages.

Since then, business has boomed. It went from two employees to 139, from 21 customers to almost 3,000, and even ventured into other products, such as porridge and alcohol.

"My dreams for my business are to grow until we can export outside the country and to become a successful young entrepreneur. The Burundi of tomorrow is a promising Burundi, and my business is promising, too," the entrepreneur assured.

Coriandre found an ally in CDE Great Lakes, a local organization supported by Atlas Network, which helped reduce the paperwork and fees required to set up a business in Burundi.

In 2021, the government made substantial changes in regulatory reform due to the CDE's recommendations. For example, the fee to register a company was reduced from 40,000 to 30,000 francs, the number of documents required was reduced from 13 to five, and the interest rate was reduced for bank and microfinance borrowers. Entrepreneurs can now register their businesses online, and small and medium-sized enterprises have been recognized as critical players in Burundi's development.

"CDE Great Lakes and ‘Papa Coriandre’ are testaments to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in the world’s poorest countries", said Brad Lips, Atlas Network's CEO.

"Our documentary shows that partnerships between local think tanks and entrepreneurs are an indispensable part of making that entrepreneurship possible, and we are grateful to FreedomFest and 2023 Anthem Film Festival for highlighting that story. It’s an important story to tell and Atlas Network is honored to be featured at such a powerful event," he concluded.