“Nothing is Impossible” – Inside Lambert Gahungu’s Tajyire Electronics Mall Journey

By Elias Hakizimana.

Inside Kigali’s Matheus House, a famous marketplace in the city, sits Tajyire Electronics Mall — a fast-growing hub for small businesses that is quietly reshaping how trade is done in Rwanda. Its founder, Lambert Gahungu, is only 30 years old, but his story of resilience and innovation is already inspiring hundreds of young entrepreneurs.

The Inspirer sat down with Lambert for an in-depth conversation about his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for the future.

The Inspirer: Lambert, many people are curious about the story behind Tajyire. How did your journey begin?

Lambert Gahungu: The journey has been long and full of lessons. It’s now six years since I started Tajyire while studying in China. I actually dropped out of school because I felt it was time to build something meaningful.

In China, I was inspired by marketplaces like Alibaba and what Jack Ma was doing. I thought, why not bring this idea to Rwanda? At first, I was selling almost everything on my small online marketplace. Then COVID hit, and I lost everything. I even had to close my office.

But post-COVID, I went to Dubai. There, I realized electronics were my strongest path. I began importing devices at affordable prices and supplying small businesses back home. That was the real turning point, because I have always wanted to grow — but also grow with others.

The Inspirer: What does Tajyire look like today?

Lambert Gahungu: What began as Tajyire Electronics has today grown into Tajyire Group, a diversified enterprise spanning multiple sectors. The group includes Tajyire Electronics, which handles retail and wholesale distribution across Dubai, China, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and soon Uganda; Tajyire Properties, launched in 2022 to host small businesses and now accommodating nearly 50 enterprises with a combined annual turnover of RWF 3 billion; Tajyire Marketplace, a central hub for traders with ambitions to expand across the East African Community; Tajyire Fresh, supplying groceries and essentials locally; Tajyire Food, serving quality food solutions to customers and workers; Tajyire Technologies in Kenya, created to address regional tech challenges, TripHoppa (Logistics), both powering the distribution of goods and mobility solutions across markets; and Tajyire Capital Ventures, focused on financing and empowering small businesses for sustainable growth.

At Matheus House, where we are now, I accommodate more than 200 small businesses. We are negotiating to take over the entire building, which can host more than 1,000 enterprises.

The Inspirer: That’s impressive growth. But what challenges have you faced along the way?

Lambert Gahungu: Like any other African startup, the biggest challenge has been financials. We have a young population, a ready market, and great ideas. But without funding, dreams remain dreams.

Still, I believe every challenge comes with solutions. I’ve learned to adapt, to work hard, and to never give up. By God’s grace, we are now standing strong.

The Inspirer: You talk a lot about supporting small businesses. Why is that so important to you?

Lambert Gahungu: Because small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Many young people start by selling on the streets, but they lack proper spaces. Through Tajyire, I provide them with affordable shops in clean, organized, green-certified buildings.

This way, they not only earn a living but also contribute to Rwanda’s vision for sustainable urban growth. I want young people to see that with even a little capital, they can start something. That’s why my dream is to accommodate 1,000 businesses by 2027 — and I believe we might achieve it even sooner.

The Inspirer: What lessons have you picked up from this journey that you want to share with Rwanda’s youth?

Lambert Gahungu: The biggest lesson is simple: nothing is impossible. I’m just a young man from an ordinary family. My father died when I was five. I went to regular schools, like everyone else.

But today, I’m hosting hundreds of businesses. It all started with just an idea. If you believe in your dream, go all in. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start now, and keep moving.

This is the message I want to send to the youth: Rwanda is full of opportunities. The economy is still young, and we are the ones who must build it.

The Inspirer: What does the name “Tajyire” mean?

Lambert Gahungu: It comes from the Swahili word Tajiri, which means rich or wealth. In Kinyarwanda, people say Umutagire. I wanted the brand to symbolize growth, prosperity, and opportunity.

The logo also has meaning — it includes a smiling gorilla with a shopping bag, because gorillas represent Rwanda’s economy and global image. And there’s a personal touch too: my late father was once nicknamed “Tajiri” in Kigali’s business circles. So the name keeps his spirit alive in what I do.

The Inspirer: Beyond business, how does Tajyire contribute to Rwanda’s development goals?

Lambert Gahungu: We align with the government’s green building vision by creating marketplaces that are clean, well-lit, and sustainable. We’re also reducing informality by giving street vendors proper spaces.

At the same time, we support property investors. Many buildings in Kigali remain idle, with low returns. By filling them with active businesses, we ensure investors see value — and this encourages even more investment in Rwanda.

The Inspirer: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Tajyire?

Lambert Gahungu: The vision is to create a continental business hub, starting from Rwanda. I want Tajyire to be the place where young entrepreneurs find affordable space, logistics support, and financing to grow.

By 2027, I aim to host more than 1,000 small businesses. But beyond numbers, I want Tajyire to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs who believe in themselves and in Rwanda.

The Inspirer: Finally, what message would you like to leave with readers and potential partners?

Lambert Gahungu: First, I want to thank you for visiting Tajyire and sharing our story. It’s an honor.

Second, I want to encourage young people: don’t fear starting small. With determination, discipline, and faith, you can grow beyond what you imagine.

And third, I call on government, investors, and partners to work more closely with small businesses. They are not just shops; they are families, jobs, and futures. By supporting them, we support Rwanda’s growth.

           

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