To be held at Green Hills Academy, the event is organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC, a Community Benefit Company specialising in cultural advocacy, research, and education. It aims to raise over US$100,000 (approximately Rwf 145 million).
Speaking at the pre-event press conference, Chief Organiser Edison Niyontegereje said the bazaar was born from years of working closely with cooperatives facing financial challenges and limited market access.
'We have spoken to artisans who create beautiful cultural products but often struggle to sell them or earn a sustainable income,' Niyontegereje said. 'That is why we decided to organise this event, to bring the international community on board and help these youth- and women-led cooperatives continue their work and sustain their livelihoods.'
He added that while artisan work has traditionally been viewed as cultural heritage, there is a need to reposition it as a viable economic activity.
'In earlier years, many people did artisan work purely out of tradition, not as a business,' he said. 'We want to show them that they can build a sustainable living through the artisan industry.'
Organising Committee Member Dr Saurabh Singhal described the bazaar as one of the biggest diplomatic charity initiatives Rwanda will see this year.
'Community and charity are in my blood, and that is why I am contributing my experience to this event,' the Indian businessman said, drawing on his philanthropy experience from Rotary Club events.
'This charity event is probably one of the biggest in Rwanda in 2025. Out of the ten BRICS countries, four are participating, and many of them are also members of the Global South. We expect a large gathering of Rwandans, foreign residents, and embassy representatives," he stated.
He noted that the event has generated excitement, particularly among children preparing cultural performances representing different countries.
'We are expecting more than 2,000 visitors,' he said. 'There will also be raffles and auctions worth around 10 million Rwandan francs, including a business-class airline ticket from a European airline.'
Operations Manager Karangwa Semwaga highlighted the event's cultural depth, noting that each embassy will present its own traditions without local imitation.
'You won't see a Rwandan imitating Indian culture,' he said. 'It will be the Indian Embassy presenting India, the Ghana Embassy presenting Ghana, the Russian Embassy presenting Russia, and so on.'
He encouraged families to attend, saying, 'If you love culture and good food, please come and have an amazing time.'
Other embassies expected to grace the event include Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Nigeria, Angola, Pakistan, as well as representatives from Rwanda, among others.
The day will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and continue with cultural showcases, live auctions, food stations and a dedicated children's area.
'It's for the public. It's for all of us to enjoy multiple cultures and festivities all in the name of charity,' Semwaga remarked.
On the accountability of the funds to be raised, the organisers affirmed that they have established a clear fundraising target for the campaign. Niyontegereje clarified that no cash will be handed directly to the cooperatives.
'The money will be used to buy tools, materials, and training according to each cooperative's needs,' he said. 'Everything will be fully communicated. Payments will be cashless through SINC and via QR codes so we know exactly how much comes in.'
He added that the organisation is also developing an app to help artisans sell their products globally. 'Giving cash is easy,' he said. 'Building systems that help them grow is what truly matters.'
The organisers intend to make the bazaar an annual event. Dr Singhal emphasised that it will take place every year and noted that, beyond the main bazaar, additional cultural events will be held throughout the year to maintain and strengthen cultural connections.
Entrance to the event will cost Rwf 10,000 as a charity fee for adults. Children under 12 and seniors above 75 will enter free of charge, and families attending in groups will receive discounts. Tickets can be purchased via SINC or at the gate.
With over 60 volunteers, numerous embassies, artisan groups and cultural performers involved, organisers say this first edition is only the beginning of a bigger vision.
The Rwanda Diplomatic Charity Bazaar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Green Hills Academy in Kigali.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
