Rwanda has made a landmark announcement regarding the discovery of oil in Lake Kivu, with 13 reservoirs confirmed in the region. This marks Rwanda’s first oil find after over a decade of exploration efforts, which began in the early 2010s.
Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, confirmed the discovery on Wednesday during a parliamentary hearing, stating, “We have oil.” The announcement has sparked significant interest, as it could have major economic implications for Rwanda’s future energy sector.

The oil reservoirs, located in Lake Kivu, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are considered part of the Great Lakes region, an area already known for its vast natural resources. Kamanzi indicated that Rwanda is optimistic about the potential for further discoveries, pointing out that similar oil reserves have been found in neighboring Uganda and the DRC.
This discovery comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda—have been engaged in ongoing conflicts. Despite these tensions, both Rwanda and the DRC have continued to hold talks regarding the exploration of resources in Lake Kivu, underlining the importance of collaborative regional efforts to manage and benefit from the area’s natural wealth.
Lake Kivu itself has long been a source of both intrigue and caution, due to its methane-rich waters. Experts have cautioned about the risks of exploiting these resources without proper safeguards to avoid environmental hazards. However, the discovery of oil in the lake has heightened the region’s strategic significance as countries seek to tap into the wealth of resources beneath its waters.

Rwanda’s discovery is poised to shift the energy landscape in the region, potentially offering a new avenue for economic growth. However, the political challenges in the area, including tensions with DRC and the need for shared governance over cross-border resources, remain hurdles that will need to be addressed as Rwanda moves forward with its exploration and extraction plans.
As discussions continue, the international community will closely watch the development, particularly regarding how the two neighboring countries will manage these newfound resources.