A32. Micro-businesses in Zambia

Background

Street vending activities contribute to the livelihoods of millions of people and to national wellbeing at large, especially in developing countries. This sector, however, has been undermined by policymakers who perceive street vending as a liability rather than a potential. Hence street vendors are exposed to various challenges. In Kigali capital city of Rwanda, many women on the streets are single mothers who lack formal jobs and enough financial capital to start official businesses and the only available and affordable option for these women is to walk around the streets with small baskets full of fruits and vegetables on their heads trying to feed for their families. It is a common sight on the streets of Kigali to witness running battles between village and sector security personnel and women vendors with baskets on their heads and children on their backs. Government has also over time built mini markets that are somewhat affordable so that street vendors can be accommodated and do business there as a solution to curbing rampant vending mainly by mothers. The Human Rights and Science through it’s branch in Rwanda (RISERWANDA Ltd) aims to provide small loans to the women who already joined the constructed market around Kigali at low interest and to encourage others who remained in street to join the market.