On my last day in Kigali, I set out to visit one of the city’s most inspiring community projects: the Nyamirambo Women’s Center (NWC). This initiative isn’t just a shop but a vibrant space dedicated to empowering women through education, vocational training, and sustainable employment.
Founded in 2007 with just 18 women, many of them single mothers and widows, the center has grown into a well-established cooperative known as Umutima, meaning heart. Since its creation in 2013, Umutima has trained over 6,000 women, with around 80% now self-employed or working in stable jobs. For visitors like me, it’s a chance to shop for beautifully crafted items while directly supporting women’s empowerment in Rwanda.
*Read: Ziplining In Kigali
Shopping At Nyamirambo Women’s Center in Kigali Rwanda
When I walked into the Nyamirambo Women’s Center’s shop, I was welcomed by shelves full of handmade treasures and Jose, the attendant who showed me around. Each product told a story—stitched, woven, or embroidered by the women of the cooperative.
*If you prefer videos, here’s my vlog about my visit to the center on YouTube.
Some of the standout items included:
- Jewelry & Accessories – Necklaces made with beads and dyed using sisal (a plant).
- Laptop Bags & Backpacks – Stylish, padded, and perfect for travelers. Prices start at 29,000 RWF (around $20).
- Headbands & Hair Accessories – Colorful and affordable, starting from just 3,000 RWF.
- Eco-friendly Banana Fiber Products – Hats and bags woven from banana fibers, lined with fabric for durability.
- Homeware & Décor – Table mats, coasters, and wine bottle bags, each stamped with the Umutima logo.
- Clothing – Unisex t-shirts, men’s shirts, and the signature Amani Set (a shirt-and-shorts combo).
What impressed me most was the mix of tradition and creativity. Fabrics like Kitenge are sourced from Rwanda as well as Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria. And unlike cheap market imitations, the fabrics here are high-quality and colorfast – meaning they don’t bleed when washed.
Behind The Scenes At Nyamirambo Women’s Center : The Workshop
After I left the shop, I visited one of the production rooms where the women produce everything sold in the store. Since I came late in the day, only two women were still there, but it was inspiring to see the cooperative in action. Seeing the dedication and skill behind these items gave me a new appreciation for every purchase. Each product is carefully handmade; some, like table mats, take up to three days for one person to complete.
The workshop also serves as a training space where new women learn embroidery, sewing, and product design. Interestingly, some product ideas come from volunteers or even customers who bring in photos of designs, which the cooperative adapts and recreates. *Unfortunately, i didn’t take photos but you can see the workshop and the women in my embedded youtube video.
Travel Tips for Visiting Nyamirambo Women’s Center
- Bring cash in Rwandan Francs (RWF) for easier transactions however, international cards are accepted here.
- Budget between $5–$20 per item depending on how much shopping you plan to do.
- Ask about the cultural tours organised by the center – they offer neighborhood walks and local experiences too.
- Pair your visit with nearby attractions like the Biryogo Car-Free Food Street for a half-day itinerary.
Why You Should Visit Nyamirambo Women’s Center
Visiting the Nyamirambo Women’s Center is more than just a shopping trip, it’s a way to connect with Kigali’s community spirit and support women’s empowerment directly. Here’s why it should be on your Kigali itinerary:
- Meaningful Souvenirs: Every item is handmade and unique.
- Empowerment with Impact: Your purchase helps sustain training and jobs for women.
- Cultural Immersion: You can also book walking tours, storytelling sessions, and food experiences through the center.
- Affordable & Authentic: Most products are priced under $20, making them accessible without sacrificing quality.
For travelers seeking things to do in Kigali beyond the usual tourist stops, Nyamirambo Women’s Center’s offers a blend of shopping, learning, and cultural connection.
If you’re planning a trip to Kigali, Rwanda, I highly recommend adding this stop to your Kigali itinerary. You’ll leave with not only beautiful handmade items but also a deeper appreciation for the strength and heart (Umutima) of this community.
*Read: My Visit To The Kigali Genocide Memorial
A Quick Stop at Biryogo Car-Free Food Street
After leaving the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, I walked over to Biryogo Car-Free Food Street, just a short distance away. I hadn’t planned to visit since many locals told me it wasn’t the best place for food. But since it was on my route, I decided to stop in.
We tried a restaurant where my host knew someone, ordering rice, fries, and chicken.
In Rwanda, it’s common to request pepper separately since most dishes are served mild. The food was budget-friendly (less than 10,000 RWF in total for the 2 plates of food), though not the most memorable meal of my trip. Still, the lively street atmosphere made it worth the short detour before I headed to the airport for my late-night flight to Doha, Qatar.
