Preparations for the upcoming Kivu Beach Expo & Festival are gaining momentum in Rutsiro District, as local leaders and partners work to position the lakeside area as a growing tourism and cultural hub.
Speaking after a review meeting with organizers,Rutsiro District Mayor, Dative Kayitesi, said the event aligns with the district’s long-term development vision.
“This festival is an opportunity for Rutsiro to show its potential,” she noted. “We want visitors to experience our culture, our hospitality, and the investment opportunities that the Lake Kivu region offers.”
The event, organized in collaboration with Yirunga Ltd, will take place at Boneza Public Beach, a strategic site known for its scenic views and growing tourism infrastructure. According to Kayitesi, the expo will highlight services, arts, agriculture, and youth innovations.
“Our goal is to promote local products and create a platform where entrepreneurs can connect with bigger markets,” she added.
Event coordinator Jean Bosco Niyonzima from Yirunga Ltd said preparations are on track and interest from exhibitors keeps increasing.
“Kivu Beach Expo & Festival is not only about entertainment,” he explained. “It is about supporting ‘Made in Rwanda’ businesses, building partnerships, and attracting investors who want to work with communities around Lake Kivu.”
The festival runs across the five districts bordering the lake—Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi. In Rutsiro, activities will take place from July 15–20, featuring beach sports, cultural shows, live music, traditional food exhibitions, and a business fair.
Local entrepreneurs also expect positive economic impact. Claudine Uwase, a crafts producer in Boneza, said the expo offers visibility that small businesses rarely get.
“When big events come here, we sell more and people discover our products,” she said. “We are preparing new items because we know visitors will be many.”
Rutsiro District is simultaneously improving infrastructure, including new hotels and upgraded roads to the lakeshore. These developments are already creating jobs and are expected to support tourism growth beyond the festival.
With excitement building among residents and exhibitors, the district hopes the event will leave a lasting mark.
“This festival is the beginning of something bigger for Rutsiro,” Mayor Kayitesi said. “We want it to become an annual tradition that strengthens our economy and promotes our culture.”
For the district, the Kivu Beach Expo & Festival represents more than a celebration it is a strategic opportunity to showcase Rutsiro’s beauty, culture, and growing economic potential to both national and international audiences.
SRC: Yirunga Ltd
