About me
Get to know Dieudonné Nahimana – the story, the vision, and the journey behind his mission to inspire change.
“Thanks to New Generation, I found a home, a purpose, and a future. I am now a university student and mentor to others.”
“Partnering with Dieudonné’s team has shown us how vision and faith can rebuild a nation.”
“Girubuntu gave me a platform to start a soap-making business and support my family with dignity.”
The Story of
Dieudonné Nahimana
Dieudonné Nahimana is a Burundian social entrepreneur, visionary changemaker, and servant of God in the apostolic ministry, whose life story embodies resilience, compassion, and national hope. He is married to Kanyenyeri Maryam, and together they are raising four children. He is the founder of New Generation Burundi, Ubuntu Agency, Oasis Christian Center, and the Dieudonné Nahimana Foundation (DNF).
His passion for servant leadership and youth empowerment was born from personal tragedy. In 1993, during the civil war in Burundi, Dieudonné lost his father and several family members to ethnic violence. Left with no resources, no home, and no future in sight, he found himself on the streets—alone, grieving, and deeply wounded. But it was there, in the darkest of places, that a new light began to shine.
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On Christmas Eve of 1998, with only 5 USD in his pocket, Dieudonné chose to share a meal with street children. In the laughter and joy of that simple moment, he witnessed the healing power of love and ethnic unity. That act of compassion became the seed of New Generation Burundi, an organization committed to transforming the lives of street-connected youth and raising a new generation of leaders grounded in Kingdom values.
Over the past 20+ years, his work has:
Rehabilitated and reintegrated over 1,500 street children
Trained over 10,000 youth in leadership and entrepreneurship
Won international honors, including gold medals at the Street Child World Cup
Inspired national campaigns for unity, peace, and dignity
Beyond New Generation, Dieudonné established the Dieudonné Nahimana Foundation, a think tank and incubator for national transformation. Through leadership forums, media outreach, and innovation programs, DNF empowers young leaders across Burundi and the Great Lakes Region.
As a bishop and founder of Oasis Christian Center, he leads a growing community rooted in healing, revival, and holistic discipleship. He is also a motivational speaker, coach, and the host of the Imboneza Talkshow, where changemakers from various sectors share stories, ideas, and visions for the future.
In 2020, Dieudonné ran as an independent candidate in Burundi’s presidential election, reflecting his lifelong commitment to servant leadership and national renewal.
He is a recipient of the National Medal for Great Achievements, awarded by the President of Burundi in 2018.
His life mission is to raise leaders, rebuild lives, and restore hope.
“The story is just beginning…”
Storyline
- 1998
Founded the non-governmental Christian organization New Generation Burundi to help street children and those affected by the 1993 Burundian civil war.
- 2004
Received the Thinktank Africa award in The Hague, Netherlands, for his reconciliation work at Amsterdam University.
- 2006
Received the “Vision pour demain Award 2006” from the national Television
- 2013
Founded the Ubuntu Production and Development Agency (UPRODEVA)
- 2013
Received the “Inspired Individuals recognition”, Tearfund UK
- 2014, 2016, 2018
Street Child World Cup: Silver (2014), 4 Gold Medals (2016), Bronze (2018)
- 2016
Cross of Nails (Coventry Cathedral) (reconciliation)
- 2017
Founded the Dieudonné Nahimana Fund (DNF)
- 2018
Awarded the “National Recognition for Great Achievements” certificate and medal in 2018 by the President of the Republic of Burundi.
- 2018
Received the “Fearless Award”, Nairobi Mavuno Church, Nairobi Kenya
- 2020
Ran as an independent candidate for the Burundian presidential elections.
- 2025
Graduated from the Political Leadership Course at Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI)
Ran as an independent for the legislative and communal elections.