Rutsiro District is embracing a new path of development through the renovation of roads leading to the upcoming Kivu Beach Expo & Festival 2025, scheduled to take place from December 9 to 15, 2025, along the shores of Lake Kivu. This initiative is already bringing noticeable changes to the lives of residents and the district’s tourism landscape, as previously deteriorated roads are being upgraded to ensure smooth operations during the event.
The roads under renovation include the route from Gahabwa through Senator Kubwimana’s area leading to Rushell Kivu Resort, where potholes that previously hindered vehicle movement are being repaired. This new infrastructure is designed to allow both residents and visitors easy access to the shores of Lake Kivu. In Nkomero, a tarmac road extending to Shusho, provided by President Paul Kagame, is under construction, along with another road connecting Mushubati to Lake Kivu, ensuring all routes are navigable at all times.
Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, the Deputy Mayor in charge of Economic Development, explained that the roads had issues that could disrupt the smooth flow of the expo. Therefore, early intervention was necessary. He emphasized that the initiative is not only meant to ease travel for participants but also to open up new opportunities for local development, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
On the organizers’ side, preparations for the Kivu Beach Expo & Festival 2025 are progressing well, including the construction of stands, concert venues, and visitor reception areas. Yves Iyaremye, Director of Yirunga Ltd, noted that small vehicles and motorcycles will be provided to help residents easily reach Nkomero and Shusho. These measures aim to facilitate both businesspeople and locals so they can benefit fully from the festival.
Beyond infrastructure, Kivu Beach Expo & Festival 2025 will feature sporting competitions such as running races, swimming, triathlon, badminton, and beach volleyball. Unique tourism activities will include visiting the swimming cows on Lake Kivu and a special boat tour around Shusho, positioning the area as a key destination for lake visitors. Additionally, a historic concert will take place on a boat, featuring top artists such as Theo Bosebabireba, Platin P, Papa Cyangwe, Young Grace, Impala, Igisupusupu, and Mico The Best.
Kivu Beach Expo & Festival 2025 is transforming the way Rutsiro prepares to welcome visitors and is providing a new vision for tourism and investment centered around the lake.
