The official ceremony for the launch of the 7th edition of the Exhibition for the development of cities, corridors and special economic zones “Expo Béton” was held at the beginning of October 2023 in Kolwezi, capital of the province of Lualaba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the theme “Kolwezi-Lualaba, Eldorado of the Southern Corridor of the DRC-SADC”, this edition aims to analyze and promote the development of the development corridor in the region.
The Development Corridor, also known as the Special Development Initiatives Program (PIDS), was established in 1996 by the South African Departments of Transport and the Department of Trade and Industry. Its aim was to meet the needs of the macroeconomic framework of the new Rainbow Nation Policy in South Africa. Since then, several economic agreements have been signed between the Congolese government and neighboring countries, aimed at strengthening the development of key sectors of the southern corridor of the DRC.
The Kolwezi edition of the City Development Fair focuses on two main objectives. First of all, it aims to encourage developers, legislators and decision-makers of the Southern Corridor member countries to transform this part of the continent into a profitable and attractive area for investments. This involves the establishment of a multimodal structure and a regional development corridor oriented towards economic growth in several sectors.
Then, this edition aims to facilitate the reliability of the corridor, with an emphasis on coordination and collaboration between member countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo and its mining province of Lualaba, in particular the town of Kolwezi, are called upon to play a key role in this approach, as a locomotive for integrated development at the national and sub-regional level.
The Exhibition on the Development of Cities, Corridors and Special Economic Zones will bring together customary authorities, construction professionals, military engineering corps, teachers from higher and university institutions, students, real estate developers and property owners. hardware stores. During the event, high-level sessions with construction industry experts, open days, BtoB sessions and a sponsored dinner will be organized.
In conclusion, the 7th edition of the Cities Development Fair in Kolwezi highlights the importance of the development corridor in the region. By promoting collaboration between member countries, it aims to create an economically profitable and attractive area for investments. This initiative will contribute to the integrated development of the region and long-term economic growth.