The initiative, titled the Project to Strengthen Connectivity at the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park, seeks to integrate the park more closely with major economic corridors by upgrading the Nkuadi–Ngandajika–PAIN and Lukalaba–Ngandajika road sections. Improvements to the connecting routes between National Roads 1 and 2 (RN1 and RN2) are also planned. In addition, the project includes extending the runway at Mbuji-Mayi airport to support the movement of agro-industrial air freight.
Describing the project as a significant step towards regional integration, Léandre Bassolé, Director General for Central Africa at the African Development Bank, said that enhancing access to the Ngandajika park would help strengthen production value chains and open new trade corridors. “This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure that drives sustainable and sovereign economic development in the region,” he noted.
The project is expected to directly benefit farmers, transport operators and agro-industrial enterprises in Lomami province, surrounding park areas and Kasaï Oriental. Improved connectivity is projected to reduce logistics costs, enhance market access and create new economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people engaged in agricultural and commercial activities.
According to project task manager Johnny Makwela, insufficient transport infrastructure has been one of the major factors limiting the competitiveness of the Ngandajika Agro-Industrial Park. “The new road links and improved air access will significantly reduce logistics costs and accelerate the integration of producers into agro-industrial value chains,” he said.
The project aligns with the Bank Group’s Agricultural Transformation Programme and complements the Support Programme for the Development of the Ngandajika Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (PRODAN). It also contributes to advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving trade and connectivity across Central Africa.
By reinforcing agricultural value chains and strengthening food security, the initiative supports the DRC’s Country Strategy Paper for 2023–2028 and is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the competitiveness of local production.
