African Development Bank Invests USD 160 m in DRC
The African Development Bank Group has approved a USD 159.50 m loan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enhance connectivity to the Ngandajika agro-industrial park, facilitating greater integration into central DRC's economic corridors. The total project cost stands at USD 177.16 m, with additional co-financing from the Congolese government. The initiative aims to upgrade key roads, including the Nkuadi–Ngandajika–Pain and Lukalaba–Ngandajika routes, and extend the runway at Mbuji-Mayi airport to support agro-industrial airfreight.
This strategic project is expected to benefit farmers, transporters and agro-industrial operators in the region by lowering logistics costs and improving market access. Emphasising economic inclusion, the project particularly aims to empower women and young individuals involved in local agricultural and commercial activities. By bolstering infrastructure, the initiative enhances trade and connectivity, aligns with the African continental free trade area objectives, and supports the bank group's agricultural transformation goals and the DRC's country strategy for 2023–2028.