DP World, a global leader in logistics and port management, has recently announced a significant development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company has appointed Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil to spearhead the construction of the Banana Port, the DRC’s first deep-water maritime gateway. This project marks a crucial step towards enhancing regional trade networks and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign ports for global commerce.
Situated in a coastal town in the Kongo Central province, the Banana Port is poised to become one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects. Its strategic location will play a pivotal role in facilitating trade across the continent, providing a direct maritime route for goods and thereby lowering business costs. This development is particularly significant in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it will boost intra-African trade and strengthen economic ties between nations.
The Banana Port project, funded by DP World with support from British International Investment (BII), will be implemented in phases to ensure its successful completion. The initial phase will encompass the construction of a 600-meter quay, a 30-hectare storage area, and an annual handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs. Subsequent phases will see the extension of the quay wall by over two kilometers, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels and further enhance its operational capacity.
Upon its completion, the Banana Port is expected to revolutionize trade operations in the DRC, streamlining processes, reducing transport costs, and centralizing customs and administrative procedures. Moreover, the project is projected to generate thousands of job opportunities, stimulate growth in local industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, and integrate the DRC into Africa’s broader supply chain network.
Mota-Engil, a renowned multinational construction company with a proven track record of executing large-scale projects across Africa, has been entrusted with overseeing the construction of the Banana Port. DP World, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, is spearheading the investment in this transformative project. Bin Sulayem has emphasized the port’s potential to reshape the DRC’s trade landscape and bolster Africa’s position in global markets, underscoring the project’s significance on both a regional and continental scale.
In conclusion, the development of the Banana Port in the DRC represents a significant milestone in enhancing trade infrastructure and fostering economic growth in the region. With the expertise of Mota-Engil and the investment from DP World, this project is poised to unlock new opportunities for the DRC and contribute to the broader economic development of Africa.
