It also attracts shoppers, as Rubavu is a hub for cross-border trade. Some even refer to it as the 'twin city of Goma' in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the two share many similarities and are located side by side.
According to the 2022 national census by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Rubavu is one of the country's most densely populated districts, with 60.9% of residents under the age of 25. This youthful demographic provides a strong foundation for rapid and sustainable development.
The district's land use master plan outlines an ambitious 2050 vision in which Rubavu will expand through the growth of tourism, the facilitation of cross-border commerce, and significant infrastructure upgrades.
To realize this vision, a series of projects are planned to position Rubavu as a leading hub for agriculture, water-based tourism, and cross-border trade.
Downtown redevelopment
A major project is planned to construct and upgrade several key infrastructures in Rubavu's city center, including roads, shopping centers, hotels, modern retail stores, and tourist-dedicated spaces.
Plans are also underway to build modern commercial buildings on a 1.8-hectare site currently owned by the Rwanda Defence Force and the Policeâ€"strategically located near the airport and the road to the Rubavu market.
This prime location lies just 800 meters from the Petite Barrière border crossing, 500 meters from the current bus station, and 900 meters from the new station, making it ideal for boosting cross-border trade efficiency. The facilities to be built on this site will provide services similar to those offered at the Rubavu Cross-Border Market, which opened in March 2019.
Along a 200-meter stretch of road north of the Rubavu market, commercial activity already takes place but is hindered by congestion caused by numerous parked vehicles, making it difficult for pedestrians to move around.
Given its position along the scenic Rubavu hill, there are plans to redevelop this road into a car-free zone, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment for traders, cultural exhibitors, and tourists.
Next to the Rubavu Intermediate Court is a 0.78-hectare site currently occupied and used for parking. As the current bus station along the market road is too small, the plan is to build a new station here, with surrounding plots developed into facilities providing essential services for travelers.
Events along the Lake Kivu shoreline often lead to heavy traffic congestion. To ease this, a project is planned to build a spacious pedestrian promenade, complete with unobstructed lake views, landscaped gardens, and leisure areas. The space will also host small boats, art and craft stalls, and food and beverage outlets.
New hospitals
Under Rwanda's 2050 vision, each district is expected to have two hospitals. Rubavu currently has one district hospital, but there are plans for expansion.
The upgrade will include constructing four or five additional stories near the main road, with a large central courtyard for patients and visitors to rest, along with tree planting to enhance fresh air circulation.
The government also plans to build a new modern hospital in Kabumba center, located between Bugeshi and Mudende sectors, in line with national healthcare development goals.
Although there are plans to expand Gisenyi Hospital to bridge service gaps, the number of people in need of medical care is expected to continue rising, making the new Kabumba Hospital a key complementary facility.
Revitalized Kabumba center
Kabumba was once a sparsely populated forested area that began to grow when traders started selling traditional sorghum beer and fruit. It was later named in honor of a local fighter called Kabumba, commemorating his legacy.
Today, Kabumba is the only center positioned to complement Rubavu City in providing various essential services. For this reason, the Government of Rwanda plans to expand it so it can operate at a city-level standard.
Currently, Kabumba has no secondary school or vocational training center (TVET), but the government intends to expand Kabumba Primary School into a school complex that will also include secondary education.
Health services will also be improved, with plans to upgrade Gashaka Health Center in Bugeshi Sector and build another facility in Mudende Sector to better serve local residents.
The development plan also includes constructing a new sports field in Kabumba, building a modern bus terminal to improve transport and mobility, and enhancing trade connectivity.
Industrial zones
The Government of Rwanda is set to establish a 190-hectare industrial park in Rubavu District, of which 113 hectares will be dedicated to small-scale industries, with the rest reserved for large-scale manufacturing.
Small industries will focus on processing agricultural and livestock products, wholesale trade, and warehousing, while larger industries will require significant investment.
The industrial park will be developed in Rugerero and Nyakiliba sectors, specifically in Basa, Muhira, and Bisizi cells, with smaller facilities built in Kabumba and rural areas.
The government emphasizes prioritizing environmentally friendly industries and those in the technology sector, ensuring a safe buffer zone between industrial sites and residential areas to protect community health.
In 2022, Rubavu had a population of 546,683. Projections estimate the population will rise to over 669,000 by 2035 and reach around 846,500 by 2050.
IGIHE
