“This market changed my life and gave me peace of mind.” 

Meet Petronille, who spent years selling in an open-air market where daily work came with constant challenges of unpredictable weather, theft, and long days limited by darkness. When she first heard about the construction of Akayange Market Hub, she thought it was just a rumor. It wasn’t until construction began that she realized real change was coming. 

Since moving to the market hub, Petronille’s business has transformed. With electricity, she can now sell until she chooses to go home, no longer forced to close early because of darkness. Her goods are safely stored in her stall, giving her peace of mind and freeing her from the exhausting routine of carrying items every morning and evening. Though she once feared the cost, she discovered the market was affordable and accessible, making it possible for her to grow her business in a secure environment. 

The impact has gone beyond business. Petronille can now support her family financially and has joined the Business Leader Development Training, where she gained essential business and financial skills. She now saves weekly and is planning to expand her food business into a retail shop using her savings. Looking back at the hardships of the open-air market, Petronille is proud of how far she has come and hopeful for the future she is building at Akayange Market Hub.