Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwamagana District unveiled a new Rwf2.8 billion market on July 4, during the Kwibohora 31 celebrations—marking a major milestone in the city’s economic transformation. Located in Kigabiro Sector, the new facility replaces an outdated, overcrowded structure and now offers space for up to 1,200 vendors.
According to Richards Kagabo Rwamunono, the vice mayor in charge of economic development, the market was built through a project implemented by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), to support economic development in Rwamagana.
The new market replaces an old and overcrowded structure that barely held 200 traders.
The completed first phase of the new market cost Rwf2.8 billion. Officials plan a second phase that will include multi-storey buildings—one wing with three floors, the other with four—housing shops, offices, and restaurants to form an integrated commercial hub.
“Our city has been growing, but traders lacked better facilities,” said the Mayor of Rwamagana, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi. “The new market will address the challenges traders faced, including congestion and poor infrastructure. We gave all current traders stalls here, and new applicants will go through a fair selection process.”
The new market has wide corridors, sections designated for different merchandise categories, proper ventilation, electricity, clean water, and sections for inclusive mobility.
“I feel safe shopping here. I can find everything in one place. It shows the government is really thinking about us, mainly old people who come here for shopping. We thank our leadership for providing a new market. We really needed it,” said Yozefa Mukakamali, a 63-year-old woman who lives in Kigabiro Sector, Rwamagana District.
Emmanuel Nshizirungu who runs a lotion shop in the new market said that: “We used to lose things whenever it rained. Theft was common, and the market offered no real protection, but this new facility is spacious, secure, and strategically located in the heart of the city. I’ve only been here for two weeks, but I already feel my business will grow.”
The inauguration of the new market was enthusiastically received by residents as an opportunity to spur their business ventures.
With phase two on the horizon, the project will feature a multi-storey wing—one side with three floors, the other with four—incorporating office spaces, shops, and restaurants, creating a fully integrated commercial hub. The market will also serve as a critical link between Kigali and Eastern Province, and the region beyond north east of Kigali.
Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, Rwamagana District mayor speaking to journalists aon July 4. – Copy
Nshizirungu, as locals fondly call him, has been a fixture in the market for over a decade—his stall lined with colourful bottles of body lotion in one of the new shops in Rwamagana modern market – Copy
Yozefa Mukakamali 63, a resident in Kigabiro, is a loyal customer at the Rwamagana market, she’s happy that the new market has all goods under one roof, which will help the old with distances. – Copy
A front view of the new Rwamagana Modern market. with phase two
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