Turkish construction firm Summa has officially launched work to modernize Luano International Airport in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The ambitious project aims to significantly expand the airport’s capacity to accommodate 1 million passengers annually and boost its freight-handling capabilities.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 26, attended by Haut-Katanga Governor Jacques Kyabula and Provincial Transport Minister Lorraine Lusamba.
The project, first launched on April 18 by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, is designed to transform Luano Airport into a modern transport hub with upgraded infrastructure and facilities.
Key components of the upgrade include:
A new 8,000-square-meter passenger terminal
Parking space for four wide-body aircraft
A 5,000-tonne cargo terminal
A maintenance center, storage hangar, and wastewater treatment plant
Improved access roads and fire safety systems
The project is expected to take 18 months, shorter than the 20-month timeline originally specified in the contract, aligning with the government’s efforts to fast-track key infrastructure initiatives.
The contract was awarded under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) model.
Summa will design, build, and pre-finance the airport, transferring ownership to the Congolese state upon completion.
The government will then gradually repay Summa. However, specific repayment terms and financial arrangements have not been made public.
The Ministry of Transport stated that a memorandum of understanding was signed with Summa on March 12, citing the firm’s international experience, innovative financing methods, and promise of fast execution as key factors behind its selection.
Despite the project’s potential benefits, the selection process has drawn criticism over its lack of transparency.
Authorities have not confirmed whether a competitive bidding process took place, prompting questions about the fairness and openness of the contract award.
Summa’s history in the DRC also raises eyebrows. In 2022, the company lost a contract to build the Kinshasa arena to rival firm Milvest, which was deemed more competitive by then-Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi.
Founded by Mete Bora in 1989, Summa is currently controlled by Selim and Sinan Bora, who hold 42.41% and 41.22% of the company, respectively, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The firm has delivered major infrastructure projects in nine African countries, including airports in Dakar (Senegal), Niamey (Niger), and Bissau (Guinea-Bissau).
Summa often prefers the EPC+F model for its African projects, claiming it addresses a recurring challenge: the disconnect between project execution and the timely release of funds.
While the Luano Airport upgrade marks a significant step forward for transportation infrastructure in the DRC, the lack of public transparency around the contract has sparked debate.
As construction progresses, many observers will be watching closely to see how the project unfolds — and whether it delivers both technically and ethically.
