The construction of the Rusizi Port has reached 56% completion, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure. This key project, aimed at boosting trade and facilitating transport between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is progressing steadily.
Rusizi, located at the southern end of Lake Kivu, serves as the main gateway for trade with Bukavu and the South Kivu province in DR Congo.
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The ministry noted that once operational, the modern port will act as a critical hub for economic growth, promoting cross-border trade and enhancing connectivity along Lake Kivu.
The Rusizi Port is designed to accommodate 2.3 million passengers and handle 1.3 million tonnes of cargo annually. Construction commenced on January 18, 2023, as part of a broader initiative to develop water transport infrastructure in the region.
This initiative includes the construction of four ports on Lake Kivu to facilitate the movement of goods and people.
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Rubavu Port, situated at the northern end of Lake Kivu, was completed and became fully operational in December 2024. It serves as the primary trade gateway to Goma and the North Kivu province in DR Congo.
Meanwhile, the construction of two additional ports, Nkora and Karongi, is slated to begin early this year. The Karongi Port, located at the Karongi cross-border market, will initially have a capacity of 300,000 passengers annually, with projections to increase to 400,000 passengers by 2036.
Its cargo handling capacity will range from a minimum of 270,000 tonnes to a maximum of 580,000 tonnes.
Nkora Port will be developed in Rutsiro District. Together with Rubavu and Rusizi ports, these facilities are part of a $28 million investment by the government in collaboration with development partners to bolster water transport infrastructure in Rubavu, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Karongi districts.
Rusizi II one-stop border post
In addition to the Rusizi Port, the $22 million Rusizi II One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) is under construction to further enhance trade and connectivity.
The OSBP, funded by the European Union in partnership with the International Organization for Migration and TradeMark East Africa, is expected to be completed by 2025.
The border post will link Rusizi in Rwanda with Bukavu in DR Congo, streamlining trade and facilitating the movement of goods and people across the Great Lakes Region.
Every day, the Rusizi-Bukavu border is crossed by over 12,000 informal traders and 150 cargo vehicles, including trucks.
The OSBP has already generated optimism, particularly among informal cross-border traders, many of whom are women. Women account for 75-80% of Rwandan informal traders exporting goods to Bukavu.
According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), 65.7% of Rwanda’s vegetable exports are destined for DR Congo, with at least 30% passing through the Rusizi border.
Economic significance
The Rusizi Port and Rusizi II OSBP projects are pivotal to strengthening Rwanda’s trade ties with DR Congo, fostering regional economic integration, and supporting informal traders who rely on cross-border commerce.
Once completed, these developments are expected to significantly enhance trade volumes, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and improve livelihoods for thousands of traders in the region.