Upgraded highway improves trade links in southwest Congo, Africa

A major road runs through Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Image: Adobe Stock

The US$70.2 million rehabilitation of the 622km Kinshasa–N’Djili–Batshamba section was funded by the African Development Fund (AfDB) and completed in 2021.

Previously prone to landslides, delays, and severe surface damage, the corridor now enables a six-hour journey between the capital and cities like Kikwit; down from more than a week in some cases.

The project included full road reconstruction as well as improvements to adjacent rural infrastructure. Alongside the upgraded carriageway, the programme supported the construction of health centres, school water points, agricultural feeder roads, and refurbished rural markets.

Jean Luemba, project implementation coordinator in Kinshasa, said transporters are now seeing reduced fuel consumption and vehicle damage.

“Hauliers are getting their money’s worth,” he said, noting farmers are better equipped to sell products direct to consumers, as an example.

Although primary contractors were not publicly disclosed, the project was delivered under AfDB supervision and met its completion target within two years. It forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen interprovincial trade and reduce isolation in rural areas.

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