DR Congo to Open Four Trade Ports in South Kivu to Enhance Regional Integration and Cut Logistics Costs
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to enhance regional economic integration with the upcoming launch of four one-stop border ports in South Kivu province.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, in Kinshasa following a strategic meeting between Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku and Project Coordinator Thierry Kayembe.
This infrastructure development is part of the Great Lakes Trade Facilitation and Integration Project (PFCIGL), financed by the World Bank with a $250 million investment aimed at easing trade and logistics across the region.
The new border ports will be established at Kavimvira, Nyamoma, Rubenga, and Kamanyola—key crossing points between the DRC and Burundi.
The initiative is expected to significantly streamline customs procedures, modernize infrastructure, and reduce transit times and logistics costs.
“These infrastructures are essential to strengthening our trade competitiveness and attracting investment to the region,” said Minister Julien Paluku.
Targeted Regional Financing
Under the PFCIGL framework:
$152 million is allocated to the DRC,
$90 million to Burundi, and
$8 million to COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).
The broader scope of the project includes:
Modernizing border posts;
Constructing border markets in Bunagana, Bukavu, Kavimvira, and Kasindi;
Upgrading lake ports in Kalundu and Idjwi;
Rehabilitating rural roads around Nyamoma and Rubenga;
Building a new bridge over the Ruzizi River at Kiliba.
Experts suggest the project could significantly boost bilateral trade, currently constrained by outdated and inefficient infrastructure. Beyond trade facilitation, the initiative aims to position the DRC for deeper integration into the East African Community (EAC), of which neighboring Burundi is already a member.
The project is a strategic move toward regional economic growth, reduced barriers to trade, and improved cross-border cooperation, reinforcing the DRC’s long-term development goals.
