Simba Supermarket has marked its 18th anniversary, celebrating nearly two decades of serving Rwandan households while growing its footprint and strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading retail brands, the supermarket has announced. The milestone celebrates Simba’s 18-year journey of growth, quality, affordability and convenience, with celebrations continuing throughout the week. Over the years, Simba has expanded its presence and today operates 15 branches across the country, bringing its services closer to communities while responding to the changing needs of Rwandan consumers. From everyday household essentials and fresh produce to premium local and international brands, Simba said it has built its offering around giving customers greater choice under one roof. Eighteen years of growing with customers At the heart of Simba Supermarket’s journey has been its relationship with customers. As Simba celebrates the anniversary, the supermarket stated it is not only an opportunity to reflect on its growth, but also to recognise the customers, employees, suppliers and partners who have contributed to the journey. Speaking about the milestone, Simba Supermarket Managing Director Joseph Mutabazi said reaching 18 years is an achievement the company shares with the people who have supported it throughout its journey. “Eighteen years is more than a milestone for us. It represents 18 years of trust from our customers, commitment from our employees and strong relationships with our partners and suppliers. Simba would not be where it is today without the people who have chosen to grow with us,” Mutabazi said. Simba has continued to position itself as a neighbourhood supermarket, strategically bringing its outlets closer to residential communities and making everyday shopping more convenient for families. For Mutabazi, expansion is not simply about increasing the number of stores. “Our growth has always been driven by one question: how can we serve our customers better? Opening closer to where people live means making shopping more convenient, saving families time and ensuring that quality products are within their reach,” he said. Beyond traditional retail, it has increasingly developed its stores into spaces where customers can combine shopping with other experiences, including dining and family entertainment. Quality, affordability and variety Throughout its growth, Simba Supermarket has maintained a focus on balancing quality with affordability. Its stores bring together locally sourced products and a diverse selection of international brands, allowing customers to access everyday essentials as well as premium products from different markets around the world. Through direct sourcing, partnerships with suppliers and an efficient supply chain, it continues to work towards keeping quality products accessible to Rwandan households. Simba has also continued to strengthen partnerships with local and international businesses as part of efforts to improve customer experience and provide greater value. Celebrating the people behind the journey As part of its 18th anniversary, Simba is putting customers and the people who have contributed to its journey at the centre of the celebration. The milestone provides an opportunity to appreciate long-serving employees, loyal customers, suppliers and business partners who have played a role in the supermarket’s growth over the years. “This anniversary is an opportunity for us to recognise our employees who serve our customers every day, our suppliers and partners who have believed in our vision, and above all, our customers who continue to choose Simba,” Mutabazi noted. Among the partners Simba recognises as part of this journey is I&M Bank Rwanda, for its continued partnership which has contributed to the supermarket’s efforts to provide customers with greater convenience over the years. The anniversary will also be reflected through customer-focused activities and special experiences aimed at thanking shoppers for their continued trust and loyalty. Looking to the future At 18, Simba Supermarket says the milestone is as much about the future as it is about celebrating the past. As Rwanda’s retail sector continues to evolve, changing lifestyles, digital payments and growing consumer expectations are reshaping the shopping experience. Simba plans to continue responding to these changes by strengthening accessibility, expanding its product offering and improving the overall experience across its stores. “We are proud of what the past 18 years represent, but we are even more excited about what comes next. Our ambition is to keep evolving with our customers, reach more communities and continue raising the standard of the shopping experience in Rwanda,” Mutabazi said. After 18 years, Simba Supermarket enters its next chapter with a message of appreciation to the customers and communities that have been part of its journey.
