The African Development Bank (AfDB) is moving ahead with preparatory work for the construction of a bridge over the Oubangui River, aimed at linking Zongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR). During a site mission on July 3, 2025, alongside an AfDB delegation, Billy Tshibambe, head of the infrastructure unit, announced that while the project is still in its technical, legal, and institutional structuring phase, formal financing is expected in 2026.

The bridge is part of a broader multinational initiative coordinated by the AfDB. It also includes developing missing road links along the corridors from Bangui (CAR) to Kisangani (DRC) and Kampala (Uganda), and from Kisangani to Bujumbura (Burundi). The project aligns with the strategic Trans-African Highway (TAH) No. 8 (Lagos-Mombasa) and incorporates trade and transit facilitation measures, as well as the installation of one-stop border posts.

Preparatory studies for the various project components are estimated at $3.1 million. These were originally scheduled for completion in June 2024. For the bridge, the plan includes finalizing preliminary design studies (APS), detailed design studies (APD), bidding documents for contractor selection, and the appointment of construction oversight firms.

For the missing segments of the road corridors, APS studies are also required. A separate transport, trade, and transit facilitation study is planned, which includes the construction of one-stop border posts (PCUFs) between DRC, CAR, Burundi, and Uganda. A road safety and infrastructure preservation program is also under consideration.

Funding Awaits Technical, Environmental Reviews

At this stage, stakeholders from the DRC, CAR, Burundi, and Uganda are awaiting the completion of technical and environmental studies before any funding is mobilized. A steering committee will be established to oversee the project, working closely with relevant sectoral ministries, particularly the Ministry of Land Planning in the DRC.

This initiative also ties into a broader regional effort launched in June 2024, with the signing of a letter of intent between the Congolese government, the European Union, France, and several technical partners. The aim is to develop African Corridor No. 6 (Akula-Gemena-Zongo-Bangui), a 400-kilometer route designed to open up the Grand Équateur region and boost trade connectivity between the DRC and CAR.

Boaz Kabeya (Intern)