Kate Bashabe, widely recognized on social media and in the fashion industry, has shared how a simple act of kindness led her to launch a lasting business venture. She is among the 800 exhibitors participating in Expo 2025, currently taking place in Kigali, where she is showcasing her company, Rahura, which specializes in school supplies.
According to Bashabe, the idea for Rahura was sparked by a young child who approached her seeking financial assistance to buy school materials worth 30,000 Rwandan francs. This encounter gave her insight into how many children face similar struggles, inspiring her to help more of them.
While supporting these students, she encountered challenges — particularly with the quality of the supplies she was purchasing. Some items, such as notebooks, were not durable enough to last a full school term. These experiences prompted her to create Rahura, a company dedicated to providing high-quality, long-lasting school supplies, while also generating resources to continue supporting vulnerable children.
Though Rahura has only been in operation for two years, its visibility has grown rapidly thanks in part to the exposure at Expo. Bashabe also participated in the 2024 edition, which helped her promote the brand further. With 13 years of experience in entrepreneurship, she notes that persistence and resilience have been key to overcoming business challenges and gradually achieving success.
She offers a message of encouragement to young people — especially girls — who aspire to become entrepreneurs. Bashabe emphasizes that success takes time, effort, and a willingness to keep trying despite setbacks. While many initially recognized her for her fashion business, she highlights that it took years of dedication to reach the level of impact she now enjoys.
Today, Rahura continues to grow with a dual mission: delivering quality school supplies and supporting underprivileged students in a sustainable and meaningful way.
