Angola - Feasibility and detailed design of Shikolondo-Dundo road

The idea of designing a project to build the DRC-Angola Trans-National Economic Corridor Construction Project was therefore born out of this desire expressed by the two cross-border provinces. This transformative project will comprise (i) in DRC: the construction and asphalting of the Mbuji-Mayi -Kananga-Kalambambuji road (385 kilometres) and the building and equipping of the Kalambambuji border post; (ii) in Angola: the upgrading to bitumen standard of the Dundo Shikolondo road (90 kilometres) and the construction and equipping of the Shikolondo border post; and (iii) at the border of the two countries, the construction of the border bridge over the Kasai River. A framework for dialogue and consultation between the two countries is therefore being set up under the aegis of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to coordinate and ensure ownership of the project. The DRC section of the project was approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors in 2022 however, due to lack of AfDB window resources for the Angola side and the level of readiness, the Angola section of the project was designed to be implemented in two phases namely; Phase I comprising preparation of studies envisaged and phase II comprising investment. This phased approach will enable the two states, during the implementation of the first phase, to continue and enhance the framework for dialogue under the aegis of ECCAS with a view to ensuring the successful implementation of this major project.