RUSIZI PORT NEARS COMPLETION, SET TO BOOST TRADE, CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

The construction of Rusizi Port has reached 97.5 percent completion, marking a significant milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity, and accelerate economic development.

Located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rusizi District, the modern port is expected to become a key gateway for trade and passenger transport, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people while supporting cross-border commerce between Rwanda and neighbouring countries.

According to Phanuel Sindayiheba, Mayor of Rusizi District, the project will have a transformative impact on both the district and the country’s economy.

“As you know, Rusizi City is strategically located on the shores of Lake Kivu. This port will significantly contribute to the district’s economic growth through cross-border trade and by strengthening commercial exchanges between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” he said.

The port has designed to handle more than 500 tonnes of cargo and approximately 1.8 million passengers annually once operational. This capacity is expected to improve transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and facilitate the movement of goods and people across the Western Province and the wider Great Lakes region.

Beyond its anticipated economic benefits, the project has already made a positive contribution to local livelihoods during the construction phase.

Mayor Sindayiheba noted that Rusizi Port has created employment opportunities for more than 200 people since construction works began in 2023, providing jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers.

“Rusizi is among Rwanda’s designated secondary cities, which require strategic infrastructure investments to accelerate development. Rusizi Port is one of those transformative projects. Since construction began, it has created employment opportunities for more than 200 people in both skilled and unskilled jobs,” he said.

He further emphasized that the port will continue generating employment and business opportunities after commissioning due to the expected increase in passenger and cargo traffic.

“It is evident that once completed and operational, the port will continue creating employment opportunities across various sectors as traffic and economic activity increase,” he added.

For many residents, the project has already brought meaningful socio-economic benefits.

Niyigena Latifa, one of the workers employed during construction, said the opportunity enabled her to improve her living conditions and plan for the future.

“Working on this project has greatly improved my life. I am now able to support myself, save money, and even plan to build a house on our family plot,” she said.

Similarly, Mutuyimana Jean, a young resident who worked on the project, highlighted how the income earned has improved his financial independence and ability to support his family.

“I can now pay for my community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) and assist my siblings whenever they need support. We are grateful to the Government for bringing infrastructure projects closer to citizens and creating opportunities for socio-economic development,” he said.

The development of Rusizi Port aligns with the Government of Rwanda’s broader vision of investing in modern and resilient infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth, improve regional integration, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

As construction enters its final stages, Rusizi Port is poised to become a strategic transport and logistics hub on Lake Kivu, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and employment while strengthening Rwanda’s position as a regional center for economic connectivity.