Kigali’s largest open-air market set to open its doors to online customers

Kimironko Market, one of Kigali's largest open-air marketplaces, faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the business to pivot from its traditional focus on events to an online platform. RG-Consult Inc, the firm behind KimmyRongHongMarket.rw, took the initiative to transition the market's operations to the digital space. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Remmyrious Lubega, the Managing Director of RG-Consult Inc, shared insights into this transformative journey. The company started by recognizing the opportunity presented by the lack of online accessibility for groceries, which were in high demand as essential goods during the lockdown. Having previously developed an online e-ticketing platform for events, Lubega and his team leveraged their experience to adapt the platform for grocery sales. Through meticulous research and vendor onboarding, they successfully integrated over a hundred vendors from Kimironko Market onto their online platform, with a focus on meeting customer demand. The majority of these vendors are women, young people, and youths from the market, illustrating the impact of digital innovation in empowering small-scale entrepreneurs. The vendors' response to the online platform has been overwhelmingly positive, with increased sales and expanded reach to a wider customer base. The platform has not only facilitated sales during the lockdown but also enabled vendors to continue generating income by allowing them to work in shifts and manage deliveries even when they are not physically present at the market. Looking ahead, RG-Consult Inc plans to further expand KimmyRongHongMarket.rw by diversifying its product offerings based on customer preferences. The platform recently received orders for cloth materials, indicating the potential for growth beyond groceries and food items. This strategic approach aligns with the company's commitment to adapt to market needs and provide a seamless online shopping experience for customers. As Kimironko Market embraces digital transformation, it not only enhances the accessibility of goods and services but also fosters economic opportunities for vendors, contributing to the market's sustainability and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.