Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka toured the construction site of the Banana Deep-Water Port, a landmark project set to redefine the Democratic Republic of Congo’s maritime future.
Situated on the Atlantic coast in Kongo Central province, the Port of Banana marks the DRC’s first deep-water facility and a key pillar of its drive to spur economic growth through trade and connectivity. DP World hosted the Prime Minister’s visit, which underscored the government’s strong backing for a steadily advancing project that will transform the nation’s logistics landscape.
When completed, the port will feature a 600-metre quay and a 16.5-metre, allowing it to host large container vessels and process up to 450,000 TEUs per year. A one-stop customs and administration hub will simplify operations, while construction and future port management are expected to generate thousands of jobs across the region.
However, Banana’s strategic potential faces logistical hurdles. Unlike Matadi, the country’s current main port located upriver, Banana does not yet have a direct rail connection to Kinshasa. Matadi enjoys an advantage through its long-standing Matadi–Kinshasa railway, which has long supported freight movement to and from the capital.
In contrast, Banana lies roughly 500 km from Kinshasa and currently depends on road networks for cargo transport. To address this, the government and DP World have prioritized upgrading the road corridor between Banana and Kinshasa—a move designed to ensure smooth cargo flow and reinforce Banana’s status as a viable hub for large-scale maritime trade.
“This project is more than infrastructure; it lays the groundwork for a forward-looking economy,” DP World noted after the visit.
As the DRC advances its ambitions to become a Central African trade hub, the Port of Banana embodies the results of aligned vision, investment, and political will. The Prime Minister’s visit has not only boosted the project’s visibility but also its momentum — marking a decisive step toward connecting the nation’s coast and capital in a new era of maritime logistics.
source: africaports.co.za
