The DR Congo government should soon secure $1.49 billion from the World Bank for four projects. Several preliminary agreements related to the financing were recently sealed in this framework by administrations, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Grand Inga Project Development Agency. According to documents reviewed by Bankable, the World Bank’s Board of Directors could approve the agreements between May 21 and June 3, 2025.

Given that the Central African country just completed the first review of its program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it is well-positioned to finalize this financing. The draft rectifying budget currently in preparation already incorporates these concessional World Bank loans, as confirmed by the IMF.

$600 Million to Improve Governance

The largest allocation, $600 million, is earmarked for budgetary support to the government’s reform program focused on economic governance, transparency, and resilience. This support is structured around three pillars:

The first pillar aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public administration, including modernizing the Treasury, improving public accounting, and reforming procurement processes.

The second pillar seeks to boost the business climate and private investment. Under this pillar, the Telecommunications Act 2020 will be implemented, competitive managers for strategic public companies will be appointed, and initiatives to achieve greater transparency in these firms’ management will be launched.

The third pillar aims to boost the quality of renewable energy services and help protect forests better. Under this pillar, authorities will introduce climate governance mechanisms and reforms to foster sustainable management of forest resources.

$440 Million to Build 200 km of Roads

The second project under the preliminary World Bank financing agreements is the second phase of the Connectivity and Transport Support Program (PACT 2), valued at $440 million. This project involves the construction of 200 km of Route Nationale 2 (RN2) between Mbanga and the Lualaba River, including a planned 700-metre bridge over the river.

The Lualaba River–Penemwanga section, initially part of PACT 2, has been moved to PACT 3, which will extend 544 km to Bukavu. The three phases of PACT are estimated at $1.5 billion: $500 million for PACT 1, $440 million for PACT 2, and approximately $560 million for PACT 3. 

PACT 1 covers the asphalting of two other RN2 sections: Mbuji-Mayi–Mbanga (280 km) and Kanyabayonga–Butembo (160 km), for 440 km. According to the World Bank, “work on these sections began in November 2024 and is progressing as planned”.

$250 Million for Inga 3

The third project is the first phase of the Inga 3 Development Program (PDI3), with an overall estimate of $1 billion. The initial phase, costing $250 million, will lay the groundwork for the hydroelectric power station, support local communities, develop urban and transport infrastructure, and foster private sector growth around the Inga corridor. 

It will also strengthen governance in the energy and mining sectors and at the provincial level. Later phases will focus on larger, multi-sector investments, including technical, social, and environmental studies.

$200 Million to Fight Floods

The fourth project is the $200 million Urban Flood Resilience Project (PRIUR). This project focuses on curbing flood risks in Kinshasa and Kalemie and enhancing the country’s capacity to manage climate-related disasters.

While structural reforms remain a priority under the new IMF program, the construction of RN2 is considered crucial. A World Bank analysis highlights that poor road conditions lead to 15,200 deaths annually in the DRC, with an estimated economic cost of $2.8 billion, or 4% of GDP.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba and Pierre Mukoko

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho