The African Development Bank Group has approved a loan of $159.50 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This funding aims to improve access to the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park and enhance development in the central region of the country. The total cost of the project is $177.16 million, with additional funding from the Congolese government.
The project focuses on better connecting the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park to DRC’s main economic routes. It includes upgrades to two key roads: Nkuadi–Ngandajika–PAIN and Lukalaba–Ngandajika. It will also improve the connections between National Roads 1 and 2 (RN1 and RN2) and extend the runway at Mbuji-Mayi airport to support agro-industrial air freight.
“This project marks a significant step for Central Africa’s economic growth and agricultural development in the DRC. By improving access to the Ngandajika agro-industrial park, we are not just fixing roads. We are enhancing a vital value chain, opening new trade routes, and creating job opportunities—especially for women and young people. This initiative shows our commitment to building infrastructure that promotes sustainable economic growth in the region,” said Léandre Bassolé, Director General for Central Africa at the African Development Bank.
Farmers, transporters, and agro-industrial businesses in Lomami province and Kasaï Oriental will benefit directly from this project. It will lower transport costs and improve access to markets. Women and youth, who play a crucial role in local agriculture and business, will gain new opportunities due to better infrastructure.
The initiative is part of the Bank Group’s Agricultural Transformation Programme (PTA) and supports the development of the Ngandajika Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (PRODAN). It also helps the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving trade and connectivity.
“This project will tackle a major barrier to the Ngandajika agro-industrial park’s competitiveness: the lack of dependable transport for moving goods. The new roads and better air access will cut logistics costs and help producers join agro-industrial value chains more easily,” explained Johnny Makwela, the project task manager.
The project will help develop agricultural value chains, strengthen food security, and increase the competitiveness of local production. It aligns with the Bank Group’s Country Strategy Paper for the DRC for 2023–2028.
