Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa recently met with executives from DP World in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to discuss progress on the Banana deepwater port project, a major infrastructure development underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During the meeting, DP World representatives indicated that the first phase of the project—initially scheduled for completion in 2025—is now expected to be finalized in 2026.
Prime Minister Suminwa confirmed that, if all proceeds according to plan, the first ships could begin docking as early as next year.
“The DRC government, under the leadership of the President, is fully committed to ensuring this project is successfully completed,” said Suminwa, reaffirming national support for the initiative.
Launched in 2022, the port project encountered delays in 2024 due to financial and technical challenges. However, following a breakthrough in September, construction resumed in October.
In March of this year, DP World awarded Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil a $250 million contract to execute the first phase of development.
This includes the construction of a 600-meter quay, the development of a 30-hectare storage yard, and the establishment of modern container handling facilities with an annual capacity of 450,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Situated in Kongo-Central province, the Banana deepwater port is strategically positioned to provide the DRC with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean—reducing reliance on ports in neighboring countries and significantly boosting the nation’s trade potential.
