Bringing the Matadi-Kinshasa railway back to life: a priority for the Congolese government
In service since 1898, the railway linking the cities of Matadi and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently in an alarming state of disrepair. Faced with this worrying situation, President Félix Tshisekedi reiterated his call on the government to undertake concrete actions for its modernization.
During the hundred and seventh meeting of the Council of Ministers, President Tshisekedi asked the Ministers of the Portfolio and of Transport, Ways of communication and Opening up to take charge of this file and to present an inventory of fixtures to consider a Public Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at modernizing this railway line.
This request by the President is in fact a repetition of his previous call launched during the 82nd meeting of the Council of Ministers in January 2023. At the time, he had already urged the government to present a project for the rehabilitation of this essential railway line. .
The use of a PPP, according to the minutes of the government meeting, is necessary because of the urgency of financing for the complete rehabilitation of this road. Indeed, road traffic between Kinshasa and Matadi, especially with trucks carrying containers, is growing exponentially. This situation causes frequent traffic jams on National Road number 1 and contributes to fatal accidents.
The Matadi-Kinshasa railway, 366 kilometers long, suffers from a state of dilapidation and obsolescence which requires significant financial investments for its modernization. Unfortunately, the memorandums of understanding signed between the government, the Société Commerciale des Transports et des Ports (SCTP) and the private partner ARISE, have so far registered little progress.
The modernization of this railway line is therefore crucial for the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to facilitating the transport of goods between Matadi and Kinshasa, it will also contribute to the economic development of the country and the reduction of road accidents.
The Congolese government must now take concrete steps to move this modernization project forward. Negotiations with private partners must be intensified, financial resources must be mobilized efficiently and transparently, and rehabilitation works must begin quickly.
It is crucial that this project is completed in order to guarantee safe and efficient transport between Matadi and Kinshasa, as well as to stimulate the economic and social development of the region. The government must seize this opportunity to revive this historic railway line and make it a pillar of the country’s connectivity and development