Logistics and Aviation in Rwanda
Road corridors
| Corridor | Port | Distance from Kigali |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Corridor, through Uganda and Kenya | Mombasa | about 1,700 km |
| Central Corridor, through Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | about 1,300 km |
Freight to and from the coast is a large part of the cost of importing machinery or exporting bulk goods.
Air links and cargo
- Kigali International Airport is the main gateway, served by RwandAir and international airlines.
- RwandAir, the national carrier founded in 2002, flies to 22 destinations and reaches more than 150 others through partner airlines.
- RDB reported 6,257 tonnes of air cargo in 2025, up 2.4%.
Bugesera International Airport
A new international airport is being built at Bugesera, south of Kigali and about 10 km from the Bugesera Special Economic Zone. The project is valued at USD 2.6 billion and is expected to open in 2028.
Where investors fit in
- Warehousing, bonded storage and inland container depots.
- Cold chain for fresh produce, food and medicines.
- Trucking fleets and cross-border freight forwarding.
- Aviation services: ground handling, maintenance, catering and cargo handling at Bugesera.
- Last-mile delivery and e-commerce logistics in Kigali.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do goods reach the sea from Rwanda?
Rwanda is landlocked, so most goods move by road to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam. High-value exports such as flowers and vegetables leave by air.
How many destinations does RwandAir serve?
22 destinations.
When will Bugesera International Airport open?
It is expected to open in 2028. The project is valued at USD 2.6 billion and lies about 10 km from the Bugesera Special Economic Zone.
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts 2025
- RwandAir: About RwandAir
- U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda
- Rwanda Development Board: Strong performance across investment, exports and tourism in 2025
- East African Community: Road transport sub-sector
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
