The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has launched Bugarama modern Cross Border Market in Western Province in Rusizi District, and Rugali modern crossborder market built in Nyamasheke District.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry is committed to facilitate smooth Cross Border Trade by building key trade border infrastructure and building capacity of small-scale traders which will significantly transform how Cross Border Trade is conducted.

 With operationalization of the Cross Border Markets, the link between suppliers of goods to the Democratic Republic of Congo market will be enhanced and now with the borders reopening, this is a good opportunity for cross border trade to retake course.

 During the launch, the Ministry of Trade and Industry also honoured its pledge by distributing over 300 smart devices to women  crossborder traders in Rusizi District  and 200 smart devices  for Nyamasheke women crossborder traders as part of  Connect Rwanda Initiative. The initiative is supported by World Bank through Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project.

 Through the initiative, Small scale women cross border traders will be able to connect with other traders across the region easily, access information  in a timely manner and will interact with Government  and border agencies, access info like prices, measures in place on border crossing..etc.