Where to go Shopping in Kigali (unique clothes, handicrafts, decor and more)

Shopping in Kigali is amazing. There is a wide range of unique products from clothing and accessories to pottery and baskets. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, buying a gift, or just window shopping, my guide has all the latest hot spots. Most shops take card and all will accept cash and momo pay. I loveee a shopping day in Kigali and I like to check out the shops to see what new and unique products are being offered (even if I don’t buy anything)!

When shopping in Kigali, there is usually more than one type of item at a shop. It’s a little difficult to categorize them, but I’ve put the main thing I seek out at each shop (or what they are known for) as the main category.

I live in Kigali! So I’ll be updating the guide as I find out about more spots. Do you want your shop featured? Let me know.

You can see all the Google Maps points on my map here.

Clothing and more…

Most shops have a more than just clothes. You’ll often find some handicrafts for sale as well. I find prices reasonable for quality clothing and more comparable to a US or EU marketplace for well-made dresses, pants, and shirts so you may need to spend around $50 or more for something really nice. Some more basic clothing is around $20 per item.

Rwanda Clothing

Rwanda Clothing has everything… Beautiful clothes that feature African prints and styles, lovely purses and accessories, and has a whole homeware + furniture section.

I just love all the clothes! The purses are very unique.

For guys, they have some great t-shirts with a hint of African fabric.

Haute Baso

Haute Baso has a variety of clothes, accessories, and more for perfect shopping in Kigali. Upstairs, there is a beautiful collection of woven baskets.

There is a Kuna ice cream truck around the corner from the entrance, and you can order coffee and drinks from the cafe at the back of the shop too.

House of Tayo

Great men’s fashion is available at House of Tayo. Many things can be unisex as well.

I loved this corduroy jacket for myself.

Cobi Shoes

Next to Concept Arts Studio is a small cobbler with some great sandals for around 12,000 RWF.

ArtRwanda – Ubuhanzi Incubation Centre

ArtRwanda – Ubuhanzi Incubation Centre has clothing too when you go shopping in Kigali.

Kigali Threads

Find locally made clothing with more of a modern style at Kigali Threads.

Kigali Kaftan

You can find unique men’s shirts at Kigali Kaftan.

DEOmade Couture

Deomade Couture has excellent clothing and small gift items for all. The clothing is reasonably priced and has good quality African-style fabrics.

Akwaba Couture

A little niche, but Akwaba Couture has some unique sports shirts and fits for men and women from Flexx Africa. I also found some unique jumpsuits! It’s in the same small shop area as Sizzling Plates Chinese Restuarant and Cave Coffee so maybe combo the visit.

Handicrafts

The handicrafts in Kigali are a little bit of the same-same-but-different. Some products like baskets and the cow dung artwork are sold everywhere. Embroidered pouches and African print bags can be found all over too. There is no one single shop that has products that are better than the others; rather the styles and colors will vary. As you window shop around, when you find the products you like, then go ahead and buy them because it may not be likely that a similar shop will sell the exact item.

What’s Rwandan? The main crafts in Rwanda are basket making and weaving. You can find some traditional woven carpets as well.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Located near the Biryogo neighborhood (which is car-free and has excellent restaurants), Nyamirambo Women’s Center (NWC) has products made by women, including clothes, bags, napkins, stuffed animals, baskets… You name it, they probably have it.

If you just have time for one shop, then visit NWC. The center was envisioned by local women to employ women in the community and lift them out of poverty.

Azizi, Azeka, and Izerwe Shops

These three shops are right next together on the same road at Inzora Rooftop Cafe (perfect for book shopping and lunch). Azizi Life Studio, Azeka Shop, and Izerwe Store have beeswax products, clay piggy banks, artwork, baskets, woven goods, and more.

Repub Lounge

Come for the food and stay for some shopping in Kigali at Repub Lounge. The is a good selection of quality handicrafts and souvenirs here. Repub Lounge is an expat favorite. It’s probably the most reliable spot to get all the different types of Rwandan cuisine.

Go Bananas and Mass Made

Both shops are located inside the Indabo Kiyovu location. Mass Made has woven products and furniture.

Go Bananas has an array of handicrafts from Rwanda and Uganda.

Kdreamy Creations Art gallery

Kdreamy is unnamed (at least to my eyes) on the road, but is right next to Twistiblendz Smoothies. There are a few local handicrafts here. As it’s pretty small, it’s best to visit along with DeoMade Couture, Abraham Konga, and Kicirwanda.

Kuasa

Local handicrafts are available at Kuasa as you go shopping in Kigali. I liked the pillow cases and the bathroom gift basket with face towels. I find the opening hours odd, it’s usually closed when I walk by but if you’re headed to Kivu Noir for coffee or headed to Abraham Konga for jewelry or Deomade Couture for clothing then this is on the way.

Craft Markets

Caplaki Craft Village

I haven’t been here yet, but the Caplaki Craft Village is known to have a variety of crafts and souvenirs.

Cavico Craft Village

Cavico Craft Village has all the classic crafts and a lot of paintings. It’s a good stop for souvenirs if you’re having breakfast or lunch at Indabo cafe, as it’s a 5 minute walk between the two.

Jewelry

Abraham Konga

Abraham Konga two a shops in Kimihurura. He makes beautiful jewelry made from brass and other metals. Many are recycled and feature unique elements like bikes and gorillas. I love the chunky yet elegant vibe of his pieces. I’ve bought some earrings and a bracelet!

Both shops have a section of jewelry and handicrafts.

They don’t exactly feature the same things. As the shops are just a 5-minute walk apart, I suggest you go to both. At the larger shop on KG 672, I got some gift items, and there are such cute stuffed animal gifts. Visit Abraham’s website.

Abraham Konga on KG 672

In the smaller shop (KG 670), I bought a flat bag that will fit all of my makeup and this elephant ring.

Abraham Konga on KG 670

Pottery Shops

Laini

Tucked away in the Kimihurura neighborhood at the end of a dirt road, Laini has unique pottery items. I really liked the pottery that also featured woven elements. Walk through the green gate at the end of the dirt road and then take the right down the steps to get to the gallery.

Fika Cafe

Fika Cafe has a range of the famous Kigali pottery items from Gatagara Pottery (this is the classic earthenware pottery with blue glaze). They have all the classics like bowls, teapots, and cups. P.S. Fika Cafe also has great food and drinks.

Kigali Pottery Collections

Previously located inside a coffee shop, Kigali Pottery Collections hosts a huge range of pottery from Gatagara.

Furniture

Inwood Rwanda

Inwood Rwanda has unique furniture. The shop also has lovely leather products from Dokmai.

When I visited, the shop was closed, but I hope to get better pictures another time.

Wood Habitat

If you need to furnish your home, make a stop at Wood Habitat for afro-chic furniture. They support women woodworkers, plant trees to offset their production, and use sustainable products. The furniture here will all be custom-made for you.

KICIRWANDA

Kicirwanda has woven baskets and furniture made from local materials. I like the lamps and the baskets. Kicirwanda is next to Deomade, so you can get clothing and some home goods too.