Kasaï-Oriental and Tanzania Explore Mbuji-Mayi–Dar es Salaam Cargo Air Route
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasaï-Oriental province and Tanzania are exploring the possibility of establishing a cargo air link between Mbuji-Mayi and Dar es Salaam to improve trade and regional connectivity.
The proposal was discussed on July 28 during a meeting between Kasaï-Oriental Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo and Tanzanian Ambassador to the DRC Saidi Juma Mshana.
The proposed route would primarily transport goods, potentially giving businesses in the province faster access to Tanzania and the Indian Ocean through Dar es Salaam, one of East Africa’s major logistics hubs.
A direct cargo connection could provide Kasaï-Oriental with an additional option for moving urgent, high-value or perishable goods while strengthening commercial links with Tanzania.
The initiative could also contribute to broader efforts to connect central DRC with regional trade corridors.
However, the proposed air route alone would not create a direct link between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade networks.
Its commercial viability will depend on factors including available cargo volumes, operating costs, airport charges and the ability to secure freight in both directions.
The project remains at an early stage, with no airline, launch date, flight frequency or cargo capacity confirmed.
Further work is expected to assess freight demand, identify a potential airline, secure aviation approvals and develop an operating model.
The proposal follows a similar initiative in Maniema, where a cargo flight from Dar es Salaam reached Kindu in June. The experience highlighted the importance of securing sufficient cargo volumes before establishing regular services.
For Kasaï-Oriental, a successful cargo link could provide another route to regional markets while supporting trade, logistics and economic activity in and around Mbuji-Mayi.
