Rwanda is gearing up for the inauguration of Rubavu port, a groundbreaking facility costing $7 million. Situated in Nyamyumba sector on the shores of Lake Kivu, the port, originally slated for completion in 2021, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once operational, it will enhance maritime transport between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), connecting to Ijwi Island and the city of Goma in Northern Kivu.
Deogratias Nzabonimpa, the interim district mayor for Rubavu, emphasized the port’s significance in facilitating trade with DRC, a vital business partner for Rwanda. DRC relies on Rwanda for various food exports and equipment, while Rwanda serves as a regional corridor for supplying DRC with goods from Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
The Rubavu port, developed by SCET-TUNISIE, boasts environmental friendliness with its water recycling system and is equipped with modern features. It offers 8,000 cubic meters of storage capacity monitored by a digital-smart system, along with parking, road infrastructure, and staff offices.
In addition to Rubavu, construction is underway for the Rusizi port. Initially budgeted at $12 million, funding for both ports comes from Trade Mark East Africa, now Trade Mark Africa.
