DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - Project to Strengthen Connectivity at the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park

The Project to Strengthen Connectivity at the Ngandajika Agro-industrial Park in Lomami province aims to address the challenges of transporting input supplies and produce from the park to trade centres. The main objective is to ensure access to these agricultural development zones, and to connect National Route 1 (RN1) between Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu to National Route 2 (RN2) between Mbuji-Mayi and Kabinda. Furthermore, the road and airport infrastructure improvements planned for Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi, as part of this project, will contribute to the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Plan (PTA) by facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce from the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park (PAIN) to major centres of consumption. It is worth recalling that the Ngandajika Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Support Project (PRODAN) – launched in November 2023 in Lomami Province – is one of the pilot projects implemented under the PTA (Agricultural Transformation Program). This program focuses on three main crops: maize, cassava, and soybeans, as well as the development of targeted livestock sectors to complement the park's agro-industrial offerings. The proposed operation aims to ensure access to this agricultural development zone by connecting National Route 1 (RN1) – between Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu – to National Route 2 (RN2) – between Mbuji-Mayi and Kabinda. Thus, the road development combined with the extension of the Mbujimayi airport runway planned within the framework of this project will contribute to the objectives of the PTA by facilitating the evacuation of agricultural production from the Ngandajika Agro-industrial Park (PAIN) to major consumption centres. The project is structured around three (3) components, namely: (i) infrastructure ; (ii) institutional support, capacity-building, and various studies; (iii) project management and implementation of the RAP. The total cost of the project, excluding all taxes and customs duties, including physical and financial contingencies, is estimated at UA 130.42 million (or USD 176.121 million). The Bank’s contribution as the main financial partner is estimated at UA 117.42 million.