In 2024, trade at the Cyanika border post experienced a significant surge, with the total trade value reaching $19 million (approximately Rwf26.6 billion), according to data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Cyanika border post, located in Burera District in the Northern Province, serves as a key crossing point between Rwanda and Uganda, connecting to the Kisoro District on the Ugandan side. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, attributed the increase was largely to a rise in both imports and exports of food products, construction materials, and sugar, along the border. The volume of imported goods grew from 33.5 million kilogrammes in 2023 to 43.4 million kilogrammes, reflecting a rise in value from $9.6 million (Rwf13.4 billion) to $11.98 million (Rwf16.8 billion). Similarly, exports saw an increase, with the total weight climbing by nearly 2.9 million kilogrammes, bringing the export value from just under $1 million (Rwf1.4 billion) in 2023 to $3.48 million (Rwf4.9 billion) in 2024. The minister mentioned that previously there were no records of trade between the two countries due to suspension of cross-border activities, which were only resumed in 2023. ALSO READ: How one stop border posts have reduced cost of trade Despite the positive outlook, the border post has faced infrastructure challenges. Specifically, Cyanika did not have a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) facility – crucial for facilitating smoother cross-border trade. In response to these shortcomings, there is an ongoing construction at the border post, including a parking lot and a warehouse facility covering 732 square meters. According to the Sebahizi, the new warehouse will feature 34 rooms for commercial purposes, which will further address the growing trade demand across the region. “The establishment of the OSBP with a warehouse facility will significantly enhance trade activities, particularly targeting the northern and western regions,” he said. “It will play a role in servicing the DRC market, as it is the nearest border to support bonded warehouses and cross-border traders in Rubavu and Goma.” Sebahizi also highlighted that the new cross-border management facilities will boost trade between Rwanda and Uganda by making access to products easy for towns along the border, especially those in Burera District. “Currently, there is parking lot that exists at the border, trucks pack on the roads. The parking lot under construction will be a timely solution to this,” he noted. ALSO READ: East Africa adopts due diligence platform for cross border trade Theogene Uwiringiyimana, a trader operating along the Cyanika border post, believes the new facility will provide much-needed storage space for their goods while awaiting buyers, especially since market activity peaks on Saturdays, with other days remaining relatively steady. “Often, when merchandise arrives, there’s no proper place to store it. This development will make a significant difference for us, particularly as we wait to connect with potential clients or find the right markets,” he said. Francois Niyimana Turikumwe, another trader who imports goods across the border, emphasised the facility’s importance, noting that it will greatly improve efficiency. “Previously, we had to park on the roadside, sometimes causing traffic congestion. With this new facility, we’ll be able to manage incoming trucks and their cargo more effectively. This will streamline operations and make business much easier for traders like us,” he said.
