Qatari conglomerate Power International Holding (PIH) is eyeing a 400-kilometer highway project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to comments by Boyd Merrett, chief executive of group subsidiary UCC Holding, in an interview with Bloomberg.

The proposed infrastructure project would aim to improve regional connectivity and ease trade bottlenecks. No details have yet been disclosed regarding the planned route, corridor, timeline or investment value of the project.

Kinshasa seeks private capital for infrastructure

PIH’s interest comes as the Congolese government steps up efforts to attract private investment into large-scale transport infrastructure.

Authorities are currently advancing a roughly 450-kilometer highway project linking Banana, Matadi and Kinshasa, aimed at strengthening the country’s access to the Atlantic coast and improving logistics flows between the capital and the future deep-water port of Banana.

In May 2025, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese company Zhongshi Wozen Technology Co to carry out feasibility studies for the corridor.

At this stage, however, there is no indication that the project referenced by PIH is directly linked to the Banana-Kinshasa highway. The only confirmed information is that the Qatari group is exploring a 400-kilometer road project in the DRC.

A Qatari group expanding across Africa

Power International Holding is a diversified conglomerate with activities spanning energy, construction, concessions, services, agriculture and agri-food, real estate, hospitality and leisure.

The group has already built a presence across several African markets, including Rwanda, Libya and Algeria, as part of a broader continental expansion strategy.

PIH is also involved in the planned airport project near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which Bloomberg estimates could require up to $12.5 billion in investment.

Ronsard Luabeya