In Rwanda, there are no particularly large shopping malls, so shopping is mainly done in small shops and stores that handle handicrafts. Rwanda doesn’t have any notable locally originated products, but handmade crafts made by Rwandan women are popular souvenirs. In the capital city, Kigali, there are also shops that sell stylish clothing, so if you’re interested in fashion, shopping in Kigali is recommended. Here are some small shops in Rwanda for you to check out as a reference.
1. Union Trade Center
The Union Trade Center in Kigali, Rwanda is the only place in Kigali where you can shop for a variety of goods. When you ask locals where to buy something, the name of this shopping center often comes up. In addition to clothing, it also has a café buffet.
At the Union Trade Center in Kigali, Rwanda, you can also find African beads and gemstones, which are said to be available at lower prices than in the market. It’s exciting to be able to buy gemstones at a bargain. Visit the Union Trade Center in Kigali, where you can find everything, and see what kinds of shops are there. It’s such a popular place that when people think of shopping in Kigali, this is the shop everyone mentions!
Name: Union Trade Center
Address: KN 4 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
Official/Related Website: http://fortuneofafrica.com/rwanda/union-trade-center-kigali/
2. Rwanda Clothing Store
A clothing shop in Kigali, Rwanda. Perhaps it’s more accurate to call it a tailor shop. Inside the store, fabric is cut and sewn together on sewing machines. The fabric designs are quite bold, featuring patterns unique to Rwanda in Africa. The designs are wearable by anyone. How about shopping at such a shop?
From this store, beautiful clothes worn by people walking through the streets of Rwanda are brought to life. Why not order a custom-made piece just for you at the Rwanda Clothing Store? The skilled clothing artisans of Rwanda will surely put their hearts into making it for you. Shopping like this, which you can only experience in Rwanda, will be a lasting memory.
Name: Rwanda Clothing Store
Address: Rwanda Clothing Center
3. Caplaki Craft Village
The craft village in Kigali, Rwanda is said to be a place that almost every tourist visits for shopping. The shop is made up of small, colorful, and charming stores surrounding a courtyard. Wooden toys and animal carvings are beautifully displayed, making it fun just to look around. Everything you see may feel fascinating and unique.
You’ll find colorful cotton fabrics, hand-knitted table mats, scarves, and vibrant cloths — all items that will make you want to buy them, leaving you spoiled for choice. Why not search for your favorite craft items in this fun craft village shop, where you can enjoy shopping that never gets dull?
Name: Caplaki Craft Village
Address: Rugunga, Kigali, Rwanda
4. Kimironko Market
At Rwanda’s huge market, fabric is abundant! Everywhere you look, there are fabric shops. Why not try shopping for some beautiful fabric? It’s said to be very luxurious. Besides fabric, there are clothing shops, bag shops, and many craft stores. Prices are said to be reasonable, making shopping here something to look forward to.
Kimironko Market in Rwanda has so many shops that you might not be able to visit them all in one day. Rwanda’s unique patterned fabrics can be used not only for clothing but also to make pouches. For those who love handicrafts, this is a recommended spot, so enjoy lots of shopping here.
Name: Kimironko Market
Address: KG 194 St, Remera, Kigali, Rwanda
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Medi-Motel-Kimironko/497778500247243?rf=170126946397581
5. Azizi Life Boutique
Azizi Life Boutique is a wonderful store where you can shop for Rwanda’s traditional crafts, such as Agaseke (handwoven lidded baskets) and accessories. How about shopping for Rwanda’s traditional crafts?
In Rwanda, the weaving technique for Agaseke is taught by mothers to their children from a young age, and when a woman marries, she takes her important belongings in an Agaseke to her new home. How about buying one and using it as a jewelry box?
Handmade shoulder bags and wooden animal carvings are also intriguing. Everything you see is delightful! Above all, Rwanda’s traditional craft, the Agaseke, is a must-see. Be sure to shop for a beautiful basket.
Name: Azizi Life Boutique
Address: KN29 Street | Rue de Mont Juru, Kigali KN29, Rwanda
Official/Related Website: http://azizilife.com/get-involved/boutique
◎ Summary
We’ve introduced some of Rwanda’s most popular shops. While Rwanda doesn’t have large shopping malls, there are plenty of small, charming shops that reflect Rwanda’s charm. In the city of Kigali, there are also stylish stores, so take a walk around town — you might discover some unique places. Handmade crafts are items you can only get in that country and in that place, so if you go to Rwanda, use this as a reference to enjoy fun shopping at wonderful shops.