DP World (Rwanda) has commenced operations at its new logistics hub in Rubavu, strategically positioned at the Petite Barrière border. This is set to significantly boost trade with DR Congo, and enhance Rubavu's position as a key regional gateway. Featuring a state-of-the-art 5,000 square metre bonded warehouse, with expanded storage capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes, Rubavu Logistics Hub will better connect local businesses to Burundi, DR Congo, and the global trade ecosystem, as Mark Rylance, Chief Operating Officer for Logistics at DP World Sub-Saharan Africa, stated during the official opening ceremony held on Wednesday 17, in Rubavu town. According to DP World, the inauguration comes following a bridge unveiled in Kabeza, connecting residents to essential services like hospitals, markets and schools. Today reaffirms our confidence in Rwanda’s potential to become a trade and logistics partner for the region, he added. “It cements our commitment to trade that builds economies and uplifts communities across Africa. Deogratias Nzabonimpa, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, expressed his gratitude for the new facility established in Rubavu town as a secondary city to Kigali, highlighting that it is going to boost cross-border trade with the neighbouring DR Congo. “This logistics hub will contribute to efficient cross-border movement, youth employment as well as benefit new businesses in our business and tourism town,” said Nzabonimpa. Shushant Mallik, Managing Director, DP World Rwanda, commented, With the operational launch of the Rubavu Logistics Hub, we are deepening Rwanda’s connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo, unlocking a vital trade corridor in the Great Lakes region. Currently, DP World operates the Kigali Logistics Platform in Masaka District, which serves as a central hub for the region. Rubavu will now complement this by serving as the western corridor and an extension of KLP. He also added that there are ongoing engagements with the Government to further expand DP World’s footprint within Rwanda. Speaking at the ceremony, Doreen Ntawebasa, Director General of Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, noted that the facility is the result of concerted efforts by the Government of Rwanda to improve national logistics infrastructure. “This milestone reflects our collective commitment to enhancing Rwanda’s logistics capacity and facilitating trade, not only within our borders but across the region,” explained Ntawebasa, revealing that, through the implementation of the Logistics and Distribution Strategy, “we aim to transform the country’s current logistics system in order to reduce time and costs associated with imports, and to strengthen the competitiveness of exports.” “This hub is a significant step forward in that journey because it offers an integrated solution that encompasses key activities: transport, storage, customs clearance, cross-border facilitation, and payment services all in one modern facility.” Ntawebasa also further recognised DP World for their commitment, investment and partnership towards completing the facility, as well as demonstrating its strong belief in supporting regional trade, innovation, and job creation. “It results from a direct collaboration between the Government of Rwanda and DP World,” she added, highlighting that “it stands as a model of how strategic partnerships can deliver transformative impact on the ground.” Rubavu Logistics Hub is not just a logistics facility, she said, but a strategic asset for the region which strengthens and improves cross-border efficiency with the neighbouring countries, and supports the implementation of regional and continental trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Rubavu Logistics Hub consists of: A 5,000-square-metre bonded warehouse Cold storage and office space for perishable goods Up to 8 loading/offloading points Real-time cargo tracking Initial annual processing capacity of 70,000 tonnes, with room for expansion.
