{"id":116035,"date":"2025-11-23T13:11:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T13:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/diplomats-laud-cultural-exchange-at-charity-bazaar-fair"},"modified":"2025-11-23T13:38:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T13:38:09","slug":"diplomats-laud-cultural-exchange-at-charity-bazaar-fair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/diplomats-laud-cultural-exchange-at-charity-bazaar-fair","title":{"rendered":"Diplomats laud cultural exchange at Charity Bazaar fair"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Diplomats from several embassies in Kigali have praised the inaugural Charity Bazaar event for creating a vibrant space where cultures meet, connect and support a meaningful cause.<\/p>\n

Held at Green Hills Academy on November 22, the event drew over 1,200 attendees and 10 diplomatic missions, eager to highlight their traditions and strengthen community ties.<\/p>\n

Diplomats from several embassies in Kigali have praised the inaugural Charity Bazaar event.<\/p>\n

It was also designed as both a cultural showcase and a fundraising initiative. Funds were raised for 50 rural artisan cooperatives through vendor fees, auctions, and raffle tickets, while creating a marketplace for cross-cultural commerce.<\/p>\n

Vendors and diplomats at Rwanda\u2019s first-ever Diplomatic Charity Bazaar reported strong business connections and cultural exchange outcomes, with participating embassies already committing to an expanded second edition.<\/p>\n

Joy Kabeti Nguthari, a Kenyan entrepreneur who supplies handicrafts in Rwanda, said she made sales and secured multiple business contacts during the one-day event.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve met different cultures, I\u2019ve made connections, I\u2019ve shared my contacts and I\u2019ve made business,\u201d Nguthari said. \u201cFor this first time that I have attended such an event, I\u2019ve made good business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Funds were raised for 50 rural artisan cooperatives through vendor fees, auctions, and raffle tickets, while creating a marketplace for cross-cultural commerce.<\/p>\n

Multiple attendees reported exchanging contacts with potential clients and receiving inquiries about their locations and products, according to event organisers.<\/p>\n

The 10 participating embassies\u2014from Ghana, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Sudan, China, Angola, Kenya, Pakistan, and Russia\u2014provided positive feedback and requested earlier notification for next year\u2019s edition to allow more diplomatic missions to participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey said, \u2018This is a very good thing. Let us know earlier next year,\u2019\u201d said Edison Niyontegereje, founder and chief organizer of the event. \u201cThey also said they would invite others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zerah Yemilo Waminaje, the Political, Information and Culture Officer at Nigeria High Commission in Rwanda, said the event successfully combined cultural exchange with charitable impact.<\/p>\n

It was also designed as both a cultural showcase and a fundraising initiative.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like a double benefit: on one hand, you have an event where people come together and celebrate one another, and in the midst of that celebration, you\u2019re also raising funds for a good cause,\u201d Waminaje said.<\/p>\n

Organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC, the bazaar event featured embassy booths showcasing national cultures, live performances including Indian cultural acts, artisan demonstrations, and an auction of products donated by embassies and local creators.<\/p>\n

Organisers acknowledged that the Rwf10,000 ticket price may have limited the attendance, with roughly 60% of expected participants showing up.<\/p>\n

Several embassies recommended making the event free to increase accessibility. One partner has already committed to sponsoring all participants\u2019 tickets for the second edition, according to Niyontegereje.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey said that next time we need to make it free so that many people can come in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The event drew over 1,200 attendees and 10 diplomatic missions, eager to highlight their traditions and strengthen community ties.<\/p>\n

Proceeds raised during the event will support rural artisan cooperatives through tool purchases, capacity building, and an e-commerce platform currently under development.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t necessarily give them cash directly,\u201d Niyontegereje said. \u201cWhat we do is help them buy tools and provide capacity building. We are also building an e-commerce system that will accommodate all artisans, helping them with market access.\u201d<\/p>\n

The organisers are planning the second edition with expanded embassy participation and adjusted ticketing to increase public access.<\/p>\n

The inaugural event drew over 1,200 attendees and 10 diplomatic missions, eager to highlight their traditions and strengthen community ties.<\/p>\n\r\n