Haropa Port Signals Interest in Supporting River Transport Development Between Kinshasa and Kisangani in the DRC
French public port authority Haropa Port has expressed interest in providing technical assistance for the development of river transport along the Kinshasa–Kisangani corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The potential cooperation was discussed during a meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, between the DRC Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba, and French Ambassador to the DRC Rémi Maréchaux. Representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Haropa Port also participated in the discussions.
About Haropa Port
Haropa Port is a French public port authority and the largest river–sea port complex along the Seine axis.
It integrates the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris, forming France’s leading port system and ranking among the largest in Northern Europe by cargo throughput.
The network provides access to global maritime trade routes and serves a major economic hinterland that includes the Seine Valley and the Paris metropolitan region, representing approximately 25 million consumers.
International Cooperation Strategy
Haropa Port has an established international cooperation strategy focused primarily on technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and port management expertise rather than direct investment.
In Africa, the authority has already developed partnerships with the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo and the Port of Kribi in Cameroon.
These collaborations aim to enhance operational efficiency, support digital transformation, and improve integrated logistics systems.
Early-Stage Discussions in the DRC
In the case of the DRC, discussions remain at an exploratory stage. Haropa Port’s involvement is currently limited to potential technical support, with no formal agreement, financing commitment, or project implementation plan announced at this time.
The proposed engagement reflects growing interest in improving inland waterway transport infrastructure in the DRC, particularly along the strategically important Kinshasa–Kisangani river corridor.
