British International Investment (BII) and DP World have announced a $35 million investment to develop the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) first deepwater container port.
This initiative continues their partnership, which began in 2021, and aims to modernize and expand port infrastructure across Africa, following similar projects in Senegal, Egypt, and Somaliland.
The new port at Banana, situated on the Atlantic coast, will serve as the primary gateway for all containerized imports and exports from the DRC.
The project is expected to generate approximately $1.12 billion in additional trade and boost the DRC’s annual economic output by $429 million, equivalent to a 0.65% increase in GDP. It is also projected to create around 85,000 jobs.
Designed to handle the largest container ships with a draft of 17.5 meters, Banana Port will enhance the DRC’s logistical independence and secure its control over foreign trade.
The port will significantly impact the Banana-Matadi-Kinshasa trade corridor, which spans 578 km and serves 54 million people.
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, emphasized the investment’s significance: “Banana Port will be pivotal in supporting the economic growth of millions in the DRC.
This investment reflects BII’s commitment to developing key sectors in Africa.”
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO Sub-Saharan Africa for DP World, added: “This project is a milestone in advancing the DRC’s trade infrastructure, unlocking economic potential, and creating jobs. We are eager to see the positive effects this development will have on the region and its residents.”
Lord Collins of Highbury, British Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, noted in an Op-ed sent to ACTUALITE.CD: “The port of Banana will transform the DRC’s economy by unlocking $1.12 billion in additional trade annually and creating 85,000 jobs.
It will enhance the DRC’s access to international markets, benefiting millions. This investment highlights our commitment to strengthening economic ties with the DRC in infrastructure, logistics, and green energy.”
The development of Banana Port will occur in multiple phases as part of a broader program to enhance transport infrastructure across Africa and better integrate African economies with global markets.
