When Dativa Uwamahoro arrived at the newly opened Nyabugogo Modern Market, she never imagined she would be able to sell her fruits from a well-organized stall, under a roof, without constantly fearing eviction by city authorities.
“I used to hide my fruits in a sack because I had to keep my goods out of sight,” she recalls. “Now I feel proud, and customers respect me.”
Dativa is one of over 1,000 traders relocated into newly constructed markets by the City of Kigali, aiming to upgrade informal street trading and promote urban cleanliness.
The Nyabugogo Modern Market, inaugurated in early 2025, features well-built stalls, sanitation facilities, and solar-powered lighting, all designed to empower small traders while maintaining order and hygiene in the city.
According to city officials, this initiative is part of a broader plan to formalize informal trade, ensuring small businesses operate with dignity and security. “We are not just building markets,” said a city spokesperson, “we are building lives.”
Despite challenges such as adapting to new regulations, increased competition, and paying rent, many, like Dativa, find the benefits outweigh the difficulties.
“Before, I lived with uncertainty,” she says. “Now, I save money weekly and dream of expanding my business.”
While Kigali strives to promote sustainable urban development, investing in small traders represents a significant step toward building a smart, clean, and thriving city.
