After more than 13 years of delays, the long-awaited Gisenyi market has finally opened its doors to businesses, with only a few final cleaning touches underway, officials have confirmed.

"All construction works have been completed,” said Rubavu District Vice Mayor for Economic Development, Déogratias Nzabonimpa. "We’re just doing the final cleaning and putting everything in place.”

He noted that the relocation of traders from the old market will be completed no later than November. The district, in partnership with Rubavu Investment Company (RICO), is finalising a working permit and other documents to ensure a smooth transition.

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Officials praised the project as a major milestone for the district’s economy, with expectations that the new facility will boost cross-border trade.

Pierre-Célestin Twagirayezu, the chairperson of RICO, said they have started receiving businesses’ applications for space, prioritising those who are currently operating in the old market.

The new market, according to him, can accommodate between 3,000 and 4,000 businesses and its completion marks the end of the first phase of the project, with a second phase already in the pipeline.

Angelique Akingeneye, one of the business operators now applying for space at the new market, welcomed the new market, expressing gratitude for having a safe working place.

"Our goods get damaged when it rains. The current market is too old for a secondary city like this,” she noted.

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