The ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference has not only brought slam dunks and high-stakes games to Kigali but also a much-needed economic gain to vendors and small businesses operating around BK Arena. As the tournament kicked off on May 17 and continues through May 25, so does the atmosphere around the venue which has turned into a hotspot of culture, commerce, and celebration, eventually, the winning shot for local enterprise. BAL has given the excitement the city needed indeed, attracting not only Rwandans but people from all walks of life. Many are enjoying the atmosphere around BK Arena, where vendors and small businesses, mostly selling food, drinks, quick bites, beverages, merchandise, and even offering temporary parking sllots for private cars, are thriving. ALSO READ: Amadou Gallo-Fall on the impact of BAL as Nile Conference tips off in Kigali The New Times visited the area to hear from several vendors and locals benefiting directly from the tournament’s presence. Nadia Umwali, a young vendor of coffee, fresh juice, cocktails, buffet at Nana Café said BAL has come with an unusually big number of customers. “We’ve got a lot of customers from BK Arena staff who usually pass by for dinner. Most of them are our regular customers. We rarely receive dinner customers but with the presence of BAL, there are many and we serve everyone according to their order,” she said. Umwali said that BAL has challenged businesses to introduce new products, most of which are in high demand, especially among foreigners. “We try our best to serve everyone. In Rwanda, everything is available and no one shouldn’t miss out on their favourite drink or food,” she said. ALSO READ: BAL offers more than prestige, it’s business at best Basel Albaroki is a vendor and owner of Shawarma originally from Syria, who has lived in Rwanda for several years. The New Times team found Albaroki busy preparing some Syrian dishes, including Kibbeh, Falafel, Fattoush as he expected customers who usually dine there in the evening. “I have regular customers, both Rwandans and foreigners,” he said. “Business is especially good when games are on. Many of them have become my friends, which shows how sports can unite people from different backgrounds,” he said. Next to him is Jacky Mutesi who sells juices and coffee. She said that during the game they are forced to hire parttime workers in order to deliver quality services as sales tend to double during BAL, mostly from people who are unable to buy from inside BK Arena’s premises. “People who flock in for the entertainment have added value to our services. We’re not just seeing Rwandans. There are people from all over Africa, and even beyond. We’ve made good relations. It’s great exposure and we need more tournaments,” she said. Jean D’amour Ntwali, a salesperson at Aruna Supermarket which also has restaurants, said they’ve been receiving so many customers that they had to double their usual staff. “This is a continuation and we’re still anticipating more customers,” he said. However, some vendors pointed out challenges including temporary security restrictions, among the common concerns shared. “We understand the need for safety, but sometimes customers are redirected away from our shops. We hope the organizers also consider how to support our businesses better,” said one of the traders.
