Feasibility
Project Stage
Project Overview
Development of inland water transport infrastructure and services along the Akagera River to improve regional connectivity between Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The project involves river navigation improvements, construction of port facilities, acquisition of suitable vessels, and establishment of a sustainable operational framework. This environmentally friendly transport alternative will connect Lake Victoria to regions along the Akagera River, providing cost-effective transportation for both passengers and freight while reducing pressure on road infrastructure.
Key Objectives
Develop sustainable inland water transport infrastructure along the Akagera River as an alternative and complementary mode to road transport; establish regular and reliable passenger and cargo services connecting communities along the river and to Lake Victoria; reduce transportation costs and impro...
Strategic Importance
The Akagera River Transport project represents a strategic initiative to diversify transportation options in the East African region while promoting more sustainable mobility solutions. As road infrastructure faces increasing congestion and maintenance challenges, inland water transport offers a complementary mode with lower environmental impact and potentially lower costs for bulk goods.
Technical Specifications
Technology: The project will employ appropriate river transport technologies suited to the specific conditions of the Akagera River, which has varying depths and flow conditions across seasons.
Capacity: The river transport system will serve communities along approximately 320 km of navigable sections of the Akagera River, with connections to Lake Victoria.
Financing Structure
The project will utilize a blended financing approach combining: concessional loans from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank); climate finance targeting low-carbon transport components; grants for environmental management aspects; national government contributions from participating countries; and potential private sector participation in vessel operations.
Market Analysis
Market analysis indicates significant potential for both passenger and freight transport along the Akagera corridor. Approximately 350,000 people live within 5km of the river with regular mobility needs.
Investment Opportunities
Private sector opportunities include vessel operations (through management contracts or direct investment), port terminal operations, logistics services, maintenance services, and tourism-related activities integrated with water transport.
Key Stakeholders
Sponsor: East African Community (EAC)
Partners: East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Tanzania Ports Author...
For More Information, Contact:
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org