According to a report from the National Institute of Statistics, Rwanda exported goods worth $16.20 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in June 2024, accounting for 9.55% of all the country's exports. The DRC stands as the second-largest destination for Rwanda's exports.
Traditionally, trade between Rwanda and the DRC has relied on land routes. However, since January 2024, Rwanda has developed a state-of-the-art port on Lake Kivu, equipped with 12 pillars designed to accommodate large cargo ships and passenger vessels.
The Mayor of Rubavu, Prosper Mulindwa, has told IGIHE that the port has already begun trial operations, with some Made-in-Rwanda products being transported through it.
"The port will handle 2.7 million passengers annually once fully operational. It also includes a section for tourists visiting sites along Lake Kivu and will facilitate the transport of at least 700,000 tons of goods each year," Mulindwa stated.
He further added that the port is currently functional and offers uninterrupted services to traders. Additionally, it is providing employment opportunities for Rubavu residents, with four cooperatives of porters involved in loading and unloading cargo. Depending on the volume of goods, about 15 people are engaged during low-volume periods, while over 80 people are involved during peak times.
Mulindwa also confirmed that the port could dock two ships, each up to 60 meters in length, simultaneously. This capability is already in use, with available ships capable of carrying over a thousand tons per trip, accommodating up to 34 semi-trailers.
The port is managed by Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), which has deployed personnel to oversee operations, alongside the Police Marine unit and services from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
Rubavu port primarily handles goods such as cement produced in Rwanda, general merchandise, and food products from Kenya and Tanzania destined for DRC.
Mulindwa mentioned that during the trial phase in July 2024, the port had already handled 26,000 tons of Rwandan cement.
"We are handling various goods, both locally made and imported. Most of our products are destined for Goma, Bukavu, and Minova," he noted, adding that it is still too early to provide a precise evaluation of the port's throughput.
The port operates similarly to a One-Stop Border Post, offering seamless services on the Rwandan side, though it will not host foreign government offices. Instead, it will feature services from RTDA, immigration, security agencies, and other border-related services, including Magerwa and the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
Additionally, the port includes a reception area for tourists visiting the scenic spots of the Western Province and storage facilities for goods, allowing traders to store equipment after unloading.
According to the Auditor General's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the Rubavu port was completed at a cost of $9.1 million, which represents a 39.6% increase from the initially planned budget of $6.5 million.
IGIHE
