Africa50
AfDB and Africa50 to develop road-rail bridge project connecting DRC and Republic of Congo. Credit: Ostaleri.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa50 have entered an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo to develop and finance the first road-rail bridge project.

The bridge over Congo River will connect Kinshasa and Brazzaville, the capital cities of DRC and Republic of Congo respectively.

Estimated to cost $550m, the bridge will be developed as a public-private partnership.

AfDB will act as the debt provider, while Africa50 will head the project development, offer equity for construction, and assist in choosing a strategic partner.

Republic of Congo construction works minister Jean-Jacques Bouya said: “Upgrading the infrastructure of the Republic of Congo is one of our foremost priorities, in particular transport, which can help us diversify our economy through increased trade and investment.

“The positive socio-economic impacts from this project will be significant, stimulating trade and economic growth and creating jobs in the Republic of Congo and beyond.”

“The construction of this bridge will not only link to the cities but will speed up regional integration beyond our borders.”

The 1.57km toll bridge will include a four-lane highway, a railway track, a pedestrian walkway and a border checkpoint at each end.

Upon completion, the bridge is expected to improve the transport network between Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Existing traffic, estimated at 750,000 people and 340,000t of freight per annum, is likely to surge to more than three million people and two million tonnes of freight by 2025.

DRC senior minister for planning Modeste Bahati Lukwebo said: “The construction of this bridge will not only link to the cities but will speed up regional integration beyond our borders.

“The Democratic Republic of Congo is proud to be a partner in this effort, which aligns with our vision to modernise basic infrastructure. We look forward to working with Africa50, the African Development Bank and the Economic Community of Central African States.”

Africa50 is a pan-African infrastructure investment platform, that develops and invests in medium to large scale infrastructure projects to accelerate Africa’s growth.