Rwanda’s biggest port set to boost trade and tourism with DR Congo

The Rubavu port is divided into two main parts, a cargo terminal and a passenger terminal designated for both the business and tourism sectors.

"It will increase connectivity between districts along the Lake Kivu shores as well as boost cross-border trade between Rwanda and DR Congo. It is anticipated that the port will reduce costs of existing trade flow along Lake Kivu,” said the Acting Mayor of Rubavu district, Déogratias Nzabonimpa, who was quoted by local media the New Times.

“The port is at 96 percent, it’s almost completed despite some ongoing fishing works. It will be handed over by this month and the first ship, if available, will be allowed to access by December 1,” he added.

The Rubavu port is being developed by the government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) with the support of TradeMark Africa and Invest International at a total cost of $7.8 million.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is located in Central Africa with a short Atlantic Ocean coastline. Similarly, Rwanda is in Central Africa, located south of the Equator and east of Lake Kivu.

Lake Kivu which lies between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) holds promise for boosting trade relations. Recent data from the World Bank indicates that the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo has great trade potential with Rwanda, with data from recent years showing growing trade and currently being Rwanda’s biggest regional trading partner.

The positioning of the Rubavu port on the shores of Lake Kivu provides a direct maritime link to facilitate trade between the two nations. The port's completion signifies a step toward economic collaboration, offering an alternative trade route and potentially reducing dependence on traditional land routes.