Upcoming Event
COSECSA AGM,
GRADUATION CEREMONIES
& SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE 2025
- Dates: November 30 – December 5, 2025
- Venue: Donatus Conference Center, Bujumbura, Burundi
Dates: November 30 – December 5, 2025
Venue: Donatus Conference Center, Bujumbura, Burundi
⚠️ For your registration, visit COSECSA website.
For your accommodation, book your hotel.
146
Accredited Hospitals
1300+
Trainees in Training
1048
Graduated Fellows
About
COSECSA
The College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) was established in 1999 by the Council of Ministers of Health of the EAC to address the shortage of qualified surgeons, particularly in district health facilities. The College is distinguished by its mission to train surgeons directly at their workplaces at affordable costs, while minimizing brain drain.
COSECSA offers training in several specialties, including General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Orthopaedics, Pediatric orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, ENT, and Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Today, COSECSA is the largest institution in sub-saharan Africa dedicated to surgical education.
ABUC
Proud host of COSECSA 2025
The Burundian Surgical Society (ABUC) is a leading advocate for timely, safe, and affordable surgical care in Burundi.
Founded in 2007 by 14 surgical providers, ABUC emerged in the wake of the country's long-standing civil conflict, with a shared commitment to improving the quality of surgical care nationwide. From the outset, the society has embraced a spirit of inclusivity, with gynecologist, ophthalmologists, and ENT clinicians counted among its founding members.
ABUC became the 10th national society to join the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and currently supports 3 accredited COSECSA training centers: Kamenge Military Hospital, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge (CHUK) and Kira Hospital.
In 2026, ABUC is supporting two additional training centers to open at Tanganyika Hospital and Hope Africa University/Kibuye Hope Hospital, further expanding much needed opportunities for surgical education within Burundi.
Since its creation, ABUC has organized an annual scientific conference in the capital city, Bujumbura, bringing together surgical professionals from across the country. These vibrant gatherings feature scientific presentations, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities, fostering both professional growth and a strong sense of community among Burundi’s surgical providers.
From its original 14 founding members in 2007, ABUC has grown into a thriving society with 61 surgeons across all specialties, 37 surgical residents among which 6 are females, and a growing number of passionate medical students — the future of the operating room.
We continue to actively engage both local and international partners, starting with the Ministry of Health, to advocate for enhanced access to surgical education, surgical care, in Burundi.
We are honored to announce that, in collaboration with the Government of Burundi, ABUC will proudly host the 2025 COSECSA Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference — a milestone moment for the surgical community in our country.
Welcome; Karibu iwacu, i Burundi!
Discover the key stages of the event
Training Workshops
November 24th - 30th 2025
Enhance your surgical skills and knowledge by participating in your preferred workshop.
More info will soon be available
Examination Day
December 1st 2025
Official COSECSA resident exams. It will be held at Cubahiro International School.
Annual General Meeting and Graduation Ceremonies
December 3rd 2025
COSESCA members meeting and graduation ceremonies at Donatus Conference Center (DCC).
Scientific Conference
December 4th - 5th 2025
Share knowledge and discuss innovations in surgery. This year's theme is "Meeting the surgical needs in Africa through teaching and training."
Essential Travel Information
- The Visa is free for EAC citizens ( Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, and South Soudan).
For travellers requiring a visa: Single Entry Visa ($90 USD). Can be issued at the airport on arrival.
These visa fees are payable upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Apply for your visa on arrival using: Visa Application Form.
Check travel requirements based on your passport at TravelDoc.
Vaccinations: If you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever disease, Please carry you yellow fever vaccination card.
Malaria Prevention: Malaria is prevalent throughout Burundi year-round. It's strongly recommended to consult your healthcare provider about antimalarial medication before traveling. Additionally, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider sleeping under a mosquito net to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
- In case of emergency:
- Kira Hospital:
- +257 71 77 35 99: Dr Freddy Bampoye
- +257 79 56 54 09: Dr Moise Habonimana
- Tanganyika Hospital:
- +257 79 49 99 95: Dr Steven Nsengiyumva
- Kira Hospital:
December in Bujumbura is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall:
Average High: 28°C (82°F)
Average Low: 19°C (66°F)
Rainfall: Approximately 257 mm over the month, making it one of the wettest periods of the year.
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm temperatures.
A waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry during frequent rain showers.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear for navigating wet conditions.
A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
For your registration, visit COSECSA website.
Already registered? Click here to make a payment.
For your accommodation, book your hotel.
Book Your Hotel
Easily book your accommodation at our partner hotels, located near the conference venue. Enjoy exclusive rates reserved for COSECSA 2025 participants.
⚠️ Important: Trainees must first select their specialties from the dropdown menu below to be redirected to the appropriate booking page, ensuring accurate accommodation arrangements.
Quick links
COSECSA AGM 2025
- Dates: November 30 – December 5, 2025
- Venue: Donatus Conference Center, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Phone: +257 69 86 02 02 | +257 62 17 00 00
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