DRC plans to rehabilitate the port of Bandundu-ville, a strategic facility operated by state transport company Onatra, as part of efforts to revive river transport and boost trade across the Greater Bandundu region.

The Transport Ministry said preparatory studies are planned ahead of the project, which is seen as key to developing river transport, supporting the regional economy and improving trade flows.

On March 28, 2026, President Félix Tshisekedi visited the port to assess its condition, the ministry said. A March 27 cabinet statement described the facility as a strategic asset that remains underutilized.

The statement added that the port has six silos and serves Kwilu and neighboring provinces, but is operating well below capacity due to deteriorating quays, a lack of modern cargo-handling equipment and limited investment.

Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba said the government plans to rehabilitate the port’s infrastructure and modernize its equipment to turn it into a hub for river transport and domestic trade.

Ronsard Luabeya