The essence of good business lies in placing your products on the market, whether local or international. That is the foundation of meaningful commerce.

Fortunate Uwitonze, a businesswoman based in Kigali, began importing goods from China in 2020. At the time, she believed that everything she bought was coming directly from the factories. But in 2023, she discovered the truth.

She had the opportunity to visit several factories in China and was surprised to find that none of them had ever heard of her. Instead, the factories only recognized the intermediaries who helped her source the products.

That’s when she realized that the price she had been paying for her goods was nearly three times higher than the factory price, because every intermediary in the chain was trying to make a profit.

“I thought I was dealing with a factory, but it was actually a middleman. Everything I was buying was extremely overpriced compared to the factory rates,” said Uwitonze.

She’s not alone. Many Rwandans engaged in cross-border trade face similar challenges. Some even lose their goods along the way simply because they don’t know the intermediaries they’re working with well enough.

To solve this problem on a larger scale, UZA Solutions Ltd., in partnership with Alibaba Group, launched the UZA Bulk platform, a marketplace designed to directly connect manufacturers and their customers.

This platform helps African traders access over 10,000 verified Chinese factories. Users can safely, affordably, and quickly browse and order a wide variety of products.

Today, the UZA Bulk platform offers over 20 million products at true factory prices. Users communicate directly with the manufacturers, completely bypassing intermediaries.

“UZA Bulk isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement for transformation. We import smarter and export better. This will help us grow our own industries and fully harness our potential,” Yves Iradukunda, CEO of UZA Solutions Ltd., said.

UZA Bulk also supports Rwandan and African manufacturers in listing their products on the platform, helping them access regional and international markets.

Eric Nshimiyimana, a phone dealer in Kigali, is one of the traders who has benefited from the platform. He shared that he now sells at lower prices while earning “a solid profit.”

This platform is ideal for everyone, from new small-scale entrepreneurs to established factories looking to expand their sales reach.

Anyone, from anywhere, can connect with manufacturers around the world through UZA Bulk. It’s more than a marketplace, it’s a gateway to scaling African commerce. To join UZA Bulk, visit www.uzabulk.com.

UZA Solutions Ltd., in partnership with Alibaba Group, launched the UZA Bulk platform, a marketplace designed to directly connect manufacturers and their customers.

Yves Iradukunda, CEO of UZA Solutions Ltd.