Rubavu Port Official Inaugurated

Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, alongside Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner, on Friday, December 6, inaugurated the Rubavu Port, a modern facility in the western part of the country, which is expected to boost trade across the region. The port is located in the Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District, marking the beginning of a transformative era for maritime trade on Lake Kivu, with promises of enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth. It is expected to increase trade and connectivity, particularly between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr. Jimmy Gasore said the facility is set to enhance trade and improve maritime transportation along Lake Kivu. "Rubavu Port is a game-changer for Rwanda's maritime transport. With a capacity of 700,000 tonnes of cargo and 2.7 million passengers per year, it will boost trade and connectivity along Lake Kivu," Gasore said at the event. He commended the development partners for their contributions toward the port construction and emphasized the importance of leveraging the Rubavu Port for community development as well as strengthening regional integration. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the cargo section includes a staff accommodation facility, a petrol station, a sewage treatment plant, and a wharf for docking services, while the passenger terminal houses the port's main offices and security checkpoints. The facility was developed by the Rwandan government with funding from development partners, including Netherlands-backed Invest International and the British government through TradeMark Africa. Rubavu Port boasts impressive capabilities, with a capacity to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. The two-hectare facility includes cargo and passenger terminals, a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and accommodations for staff.