Former street vendors in Rubavu town have completed a Rwf 450 million commercial building, marking a major milestone in their transition from informal hawking to the formal business sector. The multi-storey building was constructed through collective savings and loans by members of the Unama Ukore Gisenyi Cooperative, which brings together 115 former hawkers—80 women and 35 men, who previously operated without permanent business premises in Rubavu and neighbouring Goma town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ALSO READ: Rubavu officials warn against street vending The cooperative traces its roots to a modest Rwf 1 million support package from Rubavu District, which helped members stabilise their activities and laid the foundation for the group’s formal organisation. For many members, the project represents a dramatic turnaround from years of hardship. Françoise Akimana, 38, recalls the daily struggles of street vending, especially for women trying to support their families while constantly evading law enforcement officers. “Working on the streets was a very difficult experience. People did not value our goods, and we were always running,” she said. “Now we are settled, and my income has increased from about Rwf 20,000 to Rwf 30,000 per month.” Another member, Betty Kayonga, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the risks hawkers faced. “We could be arrested at any time, leaving our children alone. Even pregnant women had to run,” she said. “Life was harsh, but now I can afford food and quality education for my children.” ALSO READ: New Gisenyi Market a game-changer for business- Min Sebahizi Justin Umugwaneza, the head of Unama Ukore Gisenyi, said the cooperative now aims to expand its activities beyond Rubavu, supporting efforts to reduce street vending and help more people, particularly women enter the formal economy. “We started as hawkers in Gisenyi, some even smuggling goods from Goma,” Umugwaneza said. “With advice to leave the streets and support from the district, we decided to work together to improve our livelihoods.” He acknowledged, however, that street vending remains a challenge, with some people still operating informally despite ongoing efforts to formalise small businesses. Rubavu District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Prosper Mulindwa, praised the cooperative for aligning its operations with national standards, including compliance with the Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system. Trade and Industry Minister Prudence Sebahizi also lauded the initiative, saying the building exceeds expectations given its reported cost. “Looking at it, one would think it cost a billion francs,” he said. “It is an inspiring success story that shows what is possible when people come together.” Founded in 2019, Unama Ukore Gisenyi Cooperative began construction of the building in August 2024, supported in part by a Rwf 100,000 bank loan.
