Nkora Port Facilities Construction

The main component of the Lake Kivu Transport project is the construction of harbour facilities on Lake Kivu at Rubavu, Rusizi, Karongi and Rutsiro (Nkora). The four districts are at the busiest border crossings between Rwanda and DRC and together represent about 70% of Rwanda’s total cross border trade volumes . In addition to the construction of the harbour facilities, Transaction Advisory services will be provided to attract private sector investment for management of ports and barge operations and review the marine regulatory and institutional framework. Construction of Karongi and Nkora ports will kick-off in the FY2020-21. Nkora is situated between Rubavu and Karongi ports, at about 20Km from Rubavu. Due to its location, it is the main gateway for trade to Idjwi Island (DRC) and the North Kivu Province in the DRC. Karongi is located in the middle of the lake from Rubavu to Rusizi ports (vis versa) and is the main gateway for trade towards Idjwi Island (DRC). TMEA has started construction of Rubavu and Rusizi ports since January 2020. The four ports will serve the water transport from North (Rubavu district) to south (Rusizi district)/South to North of the Lake. TMEA has funded the construction of Cross Border Markets in Rubavu and Rusizi. Under the women in trade programme, a number of cooperatives based in the two districts were also supported to increase their competitiveness and so the selection of the sites fits well into the overall TMEA Rwanda Cross Border Trade work.