The official inauguration of the newly constructed Rubavu Port took place on December 6, 2024, in Rubavu District, Western Province. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including H.E. Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and H.E. Alison Thorpe, British High Commissioner to Rwanda.

"This achievement is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing regional integration, and improving the livelihoods of our communities," stated Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore during the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder ownership to ensure the sustainability of the port’s operations.

The successful completion of Rubavu Port would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of Rwanda’s development partners. Key contributors included the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through Invest International and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through TradeMark Africa. 

On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore expressed heartfelt gratitude to all development partners and stakeholders for their instrumental role in the realization of this project.

The port’s role in supporting regional trade is further enhanced by the piloting of the Lake Kivu Navigability App, launched on the same day as the inauguration. This app will monitor port operations and ensure efficient movement of cargo and passengers along the designated routes on Lake Kivu.

Hon. Dr. Jimmy GASORE, Minister of infrastructure

Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore urged stakeholders to take ownership of the port’s sustainability by ensuring efficient operations, maintaining high standards of service delivery, and embracing environmentally friendly practices.

"As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders to have ownership in safeguarding the sustainability of this port. This means ensuring its efficient operations, maintaining high standards of service delivery, and embracing environmentally friendly practices. Let us make Rubavu Port a model for modern infrastructure that serves generations to come," said Dr. Gasore.

The development of Rubavu Port, a key component of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, reflects the country's commitment to strengthening inland water transport, fostering economic growth, and enhancing regional trade. This milestone is part of the government’s broader vision to construct four ports along Lake Kivu by 2029, with Rubavu Port serving as a cornerstone of this strategic initiative.

Modern Infrastructure with Impressive Capacity

Rubavu Port spans an area of 2 hectares and boasts a cargo handling capacity of 700,000 tons per year, alongside a passenger capacity of 2.7 million people annually. The port can accommodate two cargo vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 500 Deadweight Tons (DWT). This modern infrastructure promises to facilitate the efficient movement of goods, people, and services, thereby reducing business costs and bolstering Rwanda’s export capacity.

Enhancing Connectivity and Regional Trade

Rubavu Port is strategically positioned to strengthen connectivity between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and other neighbouring regions. By unlocking new markets and enhancing regional value chains, the port is set to attract investment, facilitate cross-border trade, and increase Rwanda’s competitiveness within the East African Community (EAC) framework.

Job Creation and Community Development

The construction and operationalization of Rubavu Port have already contributed to local job creation. Over 120 individuals from the Rubavu community have been organized into cooperatives, with an average of 80 men and 40 women actively engaged in daily cargo handling activities. Similar initiatives are expected to be replicated in other upcoming ports, transforming Lake Kivu’s transport corridor into a hub for trade, tourism, and economic development.

Looking Ahead

The Government of Rwanda’s ambitious plan to construct four ports along Lake Kivu by 2029 aims to position the lake as a vital economic and trade corridor. By decreasing the cost of doing business and improving the efficiency of transportation, these ports will catalyze the country’s economic transformation.

The launch of Rubavu Port is a monumental step forward in Rwanda’s pursuit of sustainable development, economic transformation, and regional integration. It marks the beginning of a new era of trade facilitation, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive growth for the communities surrounding Lake Kivu.