Held at Green Hills Academy, the event served as both a cultural showcase and a fundraising platform, with proceeds directed toward supporting 50 rural artisan cooperatives across Rwanda.
Organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC, a Community Benefit Company specialising in cultural advocacy, research, and education, the event aimed to create a space where diplomacy meets culture and philanthropy.
The inaugural edition featured vibrant performances from local traditional dance troupes, alongside cultural groups from the Indian community and other participating nations. Attendees also enjoyed a diverse culinary experience, sampling dishes prepared by various diplomatic missions in a celebration of global flavours.
Ten embassies and high commissions took part in the Bazaar, including Angola, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and Sudan, each showcasing their country's art, cuisine, traditional attire, and tourism attractions. The stalls, set up with the support of community members, gave visitors an opportunity to interact directly with diplomatic representatives and artisans.
Speaking at the event, Naeem Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy as a pillar of international cooperation.
'I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar organisers. It's a great initiative,' he said. 'Politics, economics, and culture are equally important pillars of diplomacy. When we understand each other's cultures and bridge the gaps in cultural communication, genuine public diplomacy emerges.'
He noted that events like the Bazaar help create the foundation for stronger economic and political relations between nations, stressing that culture must not be overlooked in global engagement.
India's High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, echoed this sentiment, describing the Bazaar as a 'very good start' with the potential to grow into a major annual event.
'This is the first time ever that a diplomatic charity bazaar is being organised in Rwanda,' he said. 'In the years to come, it will grow to become a really big event with more embassies and high commissions participating. It stands for a noble cause, benefiting 50 cooperatives of artisans, and we are all willing to work together to contribute.'
He highlighted the enthusiasm of the Indian community, which contributed cultural performances, artisan exhibits, and cuisine. He also praised the diversity on display across other country stalls, including jewellery, crafts, traditional attire, and tourism showcases.
Beyond cultural appreciation, the Bazaar served a critical economic purpose. Vendor fees, auctions, and raffle tickets raised funds to support rural artisan cooperatives.
'The money will be used to buy tools, materials, and training according to each cooperative's needs,' stated Chief Organiser Edison Niyontegereje.
The organisers also announced that an e-commerce platform is under development to help artisans reach wider markets.
'The platform will support the artisans in showcasing their products to a much larger audience, beyond the physical Bazaar,' said Organising Committee Member Dr Saurabh Singhal.
Meanwhile, Edison noted that the success of the first edition sets a strong foundation for growth.
'The first edition gives us hope that the next edition, in 2026, is going to be an even bigger event,' the chief organiser said. 'More embassies and partners are showing interest in joining. This is about coming on board to contribute to the cause of improving artisans' lives.'
He added that the organisation plans to build a cultural centre that will allow visitors to experience different cultures through immersive exhibitions, languages, and virtual reality. The goal, he said, is to foster deeper cultural exchange while exposing Rwandan artisans to global craftsmanship techniques.
Artisans themselves expressed gratitude for the visibility and support the Bazaar generated.
Esperance Mukabaranga, a basket weaver and cultural artist, said the event helped her connect with potential business partners.
'We met different people, and they like our products. We exchanged business cards, and we believe they will become our business partners,' she said.
She added that the funds raised will help strengthen artisan communities: 'If they support us, we will be supporting our families and communities as well.'
Despite the event's success, organisers acknowledged challenges such as the Rwf 10,000 ticket price, which some embassies felt may have limited attendance. Several missions recommended making the event free in future editions to increase accessibility, and some have expressed their intention to sponsor entry for participants to encourage greater participation.
As the event concluded, envoys from the participating missions called for stronger lobbying within diplomatic circles and encouraged more embassies in Kigali to support the cause in future editions. Such backing will not only provide Rwanda's artisan communities with the resources they need to scale their operations, but also help them gain glocal connections.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
