Bridge Linking Kinshasa and Brazzaville

Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo

Africa50-Project Development

Africa50 facilitated the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Republic of Congo (RC) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the Rail-Road Bridge linking the two capital cities Kinshasa and Brazzaville.

Selected as lead developer by the RC and the DRC, Africa50 will work to structure the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), lead the project preparation and development phase, and provide equity for construction, alongside the African Development Bank, the principal debt provider, and the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC).

The project, part of the PIDA Priority Action Plan, consists of a 1.575-kilometre toll bridge over the Congo River. It plans to include a single railway track, two road lanes, sidewalks, and border checkpoints.

Impact

Productivity:

The Project will bolster cross-border and regional trade by enhancing the secure movement of people, goods and serv ices between Brazzaville and Kinshasa. This should contribute to a significant reduction of trade costs.
Over 5 million passengers and 3 million tons of freight are expected to cross the bridge each year by 2025, making it one of the strategic corridors in the region.
It is expected to yield direct benefits such as direct savings in the cost of operating vehicle, time savings for road users and a reduction of traffic accidents.

Environment:

The bridge is a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will incorporate the highest environmental standards.

Africa50's Role

The two governments have mandated Africa50 and the African Development Bank to develop the project as a public private partnership, the bank will act as the debt provider under the aegis of the Economic Community of Central African States. As the main developer, Africa50 will lead the project development, help select a strategic partner, and provide equity for construction.