The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will soon have its cargo capacity significantly upgraded, which will streamline all aspects of international containerized trade and cargo handling in the country.
DP World has announced the development of the Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in partnership with Portuguese firm Mota-Engil. Located in Kongo Central province along the Atlantic coast, the port aims to strengthen the DRC’s trade infrastructure and become its primary maritime gateway for containerised cargo.
The project will be executed in phases:
Phase one includes a 600-meter quay, 450,000 TEU capacity, and a 30-hectare storage area, capable of handling the world’s largest ships.
Phase two will extend the quay by over two kilometers. The port will also centralise customs and administrative operations, improving trade efficiency and government oversight.
Currently, container trade in the DRC is managed by the inland ports of Matadi and Boma, which handle imports, bulk cargo, and agricultural exports like timber and bananas.
The vision is for Banana to become a gateway to international markets for DRC, promoting its logistical independence and sovereignty over foreign trade. The project is expected to transform the DRC’s trade landscape by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, reducing business costs, and reinforcing the country’s position as a key trade hub in the region.
