The City of Kigali has launched a comprehensive campaign to eradicate unlawful trading practices, focusing on the integration and support of former street vendors. This initiative is in partnership with the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and other key stakeholders. It aims to provide sustainable solutions for those previously engaged in unregulated commerce.

Key Achievements and Measures:

As of March 2024, 26 mini-markets are fully operational across the Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge districts, providing over 4,000 former street vendors with designated spaces to conduct their businesses legally.

These vendors have been organized into 162 cooperatives, fostering a sense of community and collective economic growth;The City of Kigali Council on December 2, 2022, enacted regulations imposing penalties on illegal trading activities, thereby reinforcing the legal framework for free market operations;

Through the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP), former street vendors have received capital loans totaling approximately 103 million Rwandan Francs, with a commendable repayment of 73 million Rwandan Francs thus far.

The cooperatives have collectively saved around 40 million Rwandan Francs, demonstrating business development and resilience.

At the launch of a new market dedicated to former street vendors in the city centre, The City of Kigali Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs Mrs. Urujeni Martine Said: “The campaign aims to educate illegal traders that it is prohibited and show them available initiatives to support them through giving them operational capital and markets whereby they can trade professionally”.

The City of Kigali’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to transforming the urban economic landscape. By prioritizing the welfare of former street vendors and enforcing regulations. The Vice Mayor urged city residents to support this initiative by refraining from purchasing from street vendors.