Kinshasa, December 22nd, 2025 (CPA). – The service provided by young people commonly known as ‘Kwata’ at the large market in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which guides and accompanies customers to the appropriate shops, was presented on Monday as a source of income for many young people during the festive season, the CPA noted during a tour. ‘We guide customers to shops that meet their needs, and sometimes we help them with their shopping. This allows us to generate a daily income, especially during the holiday season,’ explained Patrick Kuntuala, a guide service provider at the Grand Market.
These young men, known as ‘Bana Kwata’, use their knowledge of the market and their relationships with traders to effectively guide customers.
According to him, when a customer makes a purchase, the ‘Mwana Kwata’ receives a commission based on a percentage agreed with the shop owner. Some also offer their services for a fee, which is useful for those who are unfamiliar with the market. ‘I find it convenient, especially when you don’t know Zando well. The Bana Kwata help me save time and find the right items quickly,’ said Eve Panzu, a regular customer at the market whom we met during our tour.
Contrary to some perceptions, according to Mr. Kuntuala, this activity is not considered a scam. Although there are a few abuses, such as price mark-ups with the agreement of traders, the majority of “Bana Kwata” respects the prices and offer a useful service to customers. Despite the ongoing rehabilitation work on certain sections of ‘Zando’, the “Bana Kwata” continue to operate on the avenues not affected, such as Bokasa and Kasa-Vubu, thus supporting trade in the large market, particularly during this period of high consumption linked to the end-of-year festivities. ACP/