The Kivu Beach Expo & Festival held in Boneza Sector, Rutsiro District, highlighted the many opportunities the district has in promoting tourism, arts, and an economy based on Lake Kivu. The event brought together local leaders, private sector actors, youth, and residents with the aim of showcasing and sustainably utilizing the district’s natural and cultural resources.
The festival was organized by Yirunga Ltd and featured various activities including beach and water sports such as Triathlon, Beach Volleyball, swimming, badminton, and traditional games, alongside entertainment and cultural performances that attracted large numbers of attendees.
The Managing Director of Yirunga Ltd, Iyaremye Yves, said that the strong collaboration between the event organizers and the Rutsiro District leadership played a key role in the success of the festival. He stated, “The cooperation we had with the district leadership enabled us to achieve positive results. The way we were welcomed and the support from different institutions showed that Rutsiro has the capacity to host and manage large-scale tourism and entertainment events.”
On the side of the district leadership, Kayitesi Dative, the Mayor of Rutsiro District, said that the Kivu Beach Expo & Festival provided a valuable platform to showcase and promote the district’s natural attractions. She said, “This festival gave us the opportunity to highlight the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, hotels, commercial activities, handicrafts, tourism services, and the innovative capacity of the youth.”
She added that what was demonstrated during the festival is a clear indication of the district’s development potential. She said, “It was evident that Rutsiro is an area with tangible opportunities for investment and sustainable development through tourism.”
Based on the outcomes of the festival, the Rutsiro District leadership expressed its desire for the Kivu Beach Expo & Festival to become an annual event. She said, “We wish for this festival to be held every year and to be included in the district’s annual planning, in collaboration with government institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, as a way to continue promoting tourism and the district’s economy.”
The Kivu Beach Expo & Festival took place from December 9 to December 15, 2025, leaving behind a new image of Rutsiro District as a unique destination for the development of tourism based on culture and the environment.
