The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an international tender to restore and modernize the Bumba–Aketi–Buta–Mungbere railway, an 870-kilometre line in the northeastern part of the country.
The tender was officially announced on May 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Transport in Kinshasa.
This narrow-gauge railway (0.60 meters), with rails ranging from 18 to 33 kg/m, was once a backbone of the regional economy, transporting agricultural and mineral products.
However, it has been in disrepair since the late 1990s, following decades of neglect and the collapse of its original operator, Société des Chemins de fer Uélé-Fleuve (SCFUF), formerly known as Vicicongo.
To qualify, bidding companies must have at least 10 years of experience in major railway infrastructure projects and demonstrate strong technical and financial capacity.
The scope of work may include additional feasibility studies, rehabilitation of tracks, signaling and telecommunications upgrades, and the development of a sustainable operational model—such as a public-private partnership (PPP), concession, or another institutional framework.
The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.
Reviving the Bumba–Mungbere railway is part of a broader effort to reconnect the remote Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces with the national and regional economy.
The project is expected to unlock significant opportunities for supply chains, market access, and local processing across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and mining—particularly in gold-rich areas like Watsa and Mungbere.
It could also enhance links to the port of Mombasa through Uganda, boosting international trade potential.
By modernizing this historic line, the DRC aims to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable transport in one of its most isolated regions.
