The event, attended by Rwanda's Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, representing the Government of Rwanda, along with development partners from the UK and the Netherlands, and Trademark Africa, marked the official commencement of operations for Rubavu Port. The port had been operating under a pilot phase since June 2024 by the consortium of contractors, JV Century Engineering Contractors - Yojaka India.
The state-of-the-art facility in the Nyamyumba Sector, Rubavu District, promises to enhance regional trade connecting all the adjacent towns with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while boosting regional economic exchange opportunities.
Driving this transformative project was EPC Africa Group, through its subsidiary Century Engineering Contractors (CEC). Contracted by Trademark Africa in partnership with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the project was funded by Netherlands-backed Invest International and the UK government, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda.
As a trusted civil engineering and electromechanical contractor, CEC leveraged its expertise in marine construction expertise which allowed it to deliver the two-hectare facility to the global standards.
Speaking during the inauguration of the facility, EPC Africa Group CEO, Ferdy Turasenga said the company managed to deliver the Rubavu Port project on schedule, despite the significant challenges they faced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
'We are very grateful and happy today that we have handed over this historical project, the first of its kind in our country and perhaps in the sub-region of the Great Lakes region. We are thankful to the client.
"We started this project at the beginning of 2020 when COVID just knocked on the door of the world. It was a global shock, but we kept the resilience Spirit to this date,' the CEO remarked during the opening ceremony graced by Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner.
The facility includes two modern terminals, one for cargo and another for passengers. The cargo terminal features advanced infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and two quays capable of simultaneously handling 2X60m length vessels with a capacity of 500 deadweight tons each. The passenger terminal is equipped with modern offices and enhanced security checkpoints.
Rubavu Port is designed to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. It provides an essential waterways link between Rwanda and the DRC, offering a cost-effective alternative to road transport and streamlining cross-border exchanges and trade.
Key commodities such as cement, beverages, and agricultural products are now transported more efficiently, reducing long queues at border delays which is going to benefit passengers and traders.
The pilot phase already demonstrated the port's impact, with businesses reporting smoother logistics and reduced transport costs. The port has also created employment opportunities, with around 150 workers currently involved in daily operationsâ€"a number projected to grow as trading activity increases.
Rubavu Port is part of Rwanda's ambitious Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which also includes planned facilities in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora. The ports aim to further bolster trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
EPC Africa Group, through its construction arm 'Century Engineering Contractors', is also implementing the Rusizi project, continuing its contribution to Rwanda's infrastructural transformation.
Beyond its work on Rubavu Port, EPC Africa Group operates several other subsidiaries that contribute to its diverse portfolio. These include Energicotel Plc, which specializes in the development, maintenance, and operation of power plants across Africa; Afrilott, focusing on commodity trading, procurement and logistics; and EPCA Development, which offers expertise in the design, supervision, and maintenance of commercial infrastructure projects, including the construction of modern and low-cost houses.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
