Ndayikeze Apollinaire

Ndayikeze Apollinaire is a pragmatic Visual Communication Expert With over 15 years of Experience

Born in Burundi in 1982, Ndayikeze Apollinaire is a top Communication Expert whose life is a testament to resilience and adaptability. His early years were marked by the challenges of exile in Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa, following Burundi’s turmoil between 1993 and 2005.

Expertise Across Multiple Disciplines

Apollinaire has mastered various disciplines, including Medical Studies, Psychology, Counseling, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Shoemaking, Dressmaking, Business Operations, Music Production, Photography, Filming, Video Editing, Live Streaming Installation and Operations, IT, Marketing, Public Relations, Writing, Agriculture, and Cooking. He holds a Master’s Degree of Arts in Visual Communication & Media Studies and many other academic awards.

Professional Experience and Leadership

From 2011 to 2014, he volunteered as a Counselor at HCN, Mozambique, assisting traumatized refugees. Simultaneously, he served as an Interpreter & Translator with CWS and the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) through UNHCR Mozambique, facilitating resettlement for refugees in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Between 2011 and 2016, he managed KING Grocery Shop, supporting local community. Earlier, from 2001 to 2004, he worked with the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) as a Nurse and later a Medical Consultant at Muyovozi Dispensary in Kasulu District, providing critical healthcare to refugees.

Since returning to Burundi in 2016, he has held diverse roles, including IT Specialist at CNDD-FDD party Headquarters (2017-2018), Assistant Manager at BIC S.A Insurance & Reinsurance (2018-2020), Burundi Life Conditions Inquirer at INSB (2020-2021), Graphic Design Expert at Smart Design Experts (since 2008 until today), and Senior Communication Advisor at the National Assembly of Burundi (since May 31st, 2021 until November 6th, 2025).

Fluent in Kirundi, Kiswahili, French, English and Portuguese, he excels in cross-cultural communication, seamlessly adapting to diverse environments.

Achievements of Ndayikeze Apollinaire at the National Assembly of Burundi (2021–2025)

Ndayikeze Apollinaire left a lasting mark on the institutional history of Burundi by serving as Senior Advisor to the National Assembly from May 31, 2001, to November 6, 2025. For nearly 4 years, he changed communication by combining technological innovation, visual design, and strategic training.

Modernization of Institutional Communication

- Live broadcasting plenary sessions: On August 9, 2022, Ndayikeze Apollinaire designed and implemented the live streaming system, opening the National Assembly to the public in an unprecedented way, in line with the Constitution. Although live broadcasts were reduced during the 2025–2030 legislature, this innovation remains a benchmark in visual communication.
- Capacity building: He trained all members of the Communication Unit, introducing them to contemporary techniques and the subtleties of digital communication.
- Advertising and subtitling: Between 2021 and 2025, he designed and edited institutional advertisements and subtitling for live broadcasts, enhancing accessibility and the impact of parliamentary messages.
- Proposal to introduce giant screens:He oversaw the installation of giant screens on the walls of the Kigobe chamber and in the hall, providing an optimal visual environment for Members of Parliament and guests during plenary sessions and various events.

Design and Visual Production

- Administrative templates:He created new templates for internal documents, such as task distribution sheets and media attendance forms, bringing clarity and professionalism.
- Books and Journals:He designed new layouts for the trilingual Ikiyago c’Inama Nshingamateka Review and the Parliamentary Journal, affirming the institution’s visual identity.
- Audiovisual identity:Since 2021, he produced introduction and closing videos for all Communication Unit productions, consolidating a coherent and modern image.
- Mini printing press: In 2022, he proposed and established an internal printing press, increasing autonomy in document production.
- Visual supports: Between 2021 and 2025, he designed calendars, agendas, flyers, banners, and roll‑ups, contributing to the Assembly’s visibility. He also anticipated 2026 by designing notebooks, agendas, and calendars currently in production.

Technological Innovations

- Specialized applications:
- Ikiyago Maker:a tool capable of quickly compiling the parliamentary review in three languages (Kirundi, French, English).
- Apollo Photo Studio: an intuitive application allowing photo editing through simple clicks or text commands.
- Software provision:Filmora, Affinity Design, CorelDraw and Vmix.