Strategic infrastructure to boost regional trade and transform lives across rural communities.
DP World has expanded its footprint in Rwanda with the inauguration of the Rubavu Logistics Hub in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM). The opening of the Logistics Hub coincided with the unveiling of a community bridge in Kabeza a partnership with Bridges to Prosperity. The milestones strengthen Rwanda’s trade corridors and connect thousands of people to opportunities, showing how strategic infrastructure can drive economic growth.
The Rubavu Logistics Hub will act as a key trade corridor between Rwanda and neighbouring countries. The facility features a 5,000 sqm bonded warehouse, advanced cold storage, modern office spaces, and state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment. In its first year, the hub is expected to handle 50,000 tonnes of cargo, with future capacity of up to 120,000 tonnes annually, significantly boosting Rwanda’s GDP and creating valuable employment opportunities.
Mark Rylance, Chief Operating Officer Logistics Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), DP World, said: “The Rubavu Logistics Hub will serve as a critical artery of regional trade, helping better connect local businesses to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and global trade ecosystems. The project builds on our work in Rwanda to drive socio-economic change by creating opportunities and supporting the communities in which we operate.”
The Kigali Dry Port near the capital, acts as Rwanda’s central logistics hub, connecting imports and exports to regional and global trade networks. Rubavu Logistics Hub on Rwanda’s western border with the DRC is strategically placed to handle cross-border trade with the DRC, one of Rwanda’s largest trading partners. Together, they form a national logistics corridor.
At the same event, DP World and Bridges to Prosperity unveiled a 50-metre suspended trail bridge, built with support from nine DP World volunteers and redundant steel cables repurposed from DP World operations. This bridge will help transform over 4,600 lives by providing year-round safe access to schools, healthcare, and markets. The anticipated outcomes include a 30% rise in household income, 60% increase in women’s labour force participation, 75% growth in farm profits, and a doubling of school attendance for girls.
Shushant Mallik, Managing Director, Rwanda, DP World commented, “This partnership demonstrates DP World’s unwavering commitment to both economic growth and empowering communities in Rwanda. With the Kigali Dry Port at the centre and the new Rubavu Hub on Rwanda’s western frontier, DP World is building a logistics ecosystem that connects local businesses to regional and global markets. Our investment in logistics and infrastructure, is delivering solutions that create growth and supports sustainable development. This dual milestone shows the two can go hand in hand”.
“We thank DP World for honouring us with this investment. Rubavu operates as a secondary city, this logistics hub will contribute to efficient cross border movement, youth employment and many other business doors for this region since we are known as a cross-border trade, new businesses and Tourism gateway. We are looking forward to the trade,” said Deo Nzabonimpa the Vice Mayor of Economic Development in Rubavu.
DP World built and operates the Kigali Dry Port, East Africa’s first end-to-end logistics hub. Opened in 2019, the dry port is powered by a 98% Rwandan workforce and plays a vital role in strengthening Rwanda’s place in global trade by connecting Rwandan importers and exporters with the Indian Ocean, nearly 1,500 km away.
