DP World has appointed multinational construction firm Mota-Engil to lead the development of the Port of Banana in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), positioning the country as a key trade hub in the region.
Located in Kongo Central province on the Atlantic coast, the port represents a major infrastructure investment aimed at reducing business costs and strengthening the DRC’s economic independence.
As the country’s first fully equipped maritime gateway for containerized cargo, it will centralize administrative and customs operations, enhance trade efficiency, and improve government oversight of foreign trade.
The development will be carried out in phases. The first phase will include a 600-meter quay, a handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs per year, and a 30-hectare storage area, designed to accommodate the world’s largest vessels. The second phase will extend the quay wall by over 2 km.
DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasized the project’s significance and the partnership with Mota-Engil, which has extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, including port development.
“Banana Port is a transformative project that will reshape trade and logistics in the DRC. By partnering with Mota-Engil, we are ensuring that this world-class infrastructure is built to the highest standards, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for the Congolese people,” he said.
British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, is partnering with DP World on the project.
Construction will involve numerous companies, including local enterprises, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and generating new economic opportunities for Congolese workers and businesses.
