** DRC-Angola Cooperation: towards a logistics platform for waste management in Kinshasa **
*Introduction*
On May 29, 2025, a significant meeting was held in Kinshasa between representatives of the Congolese government and Angolan companies. This initiative, the main objective of which is to establish a logistics platform dedicated to waste management, arouses crucial issues both economically and vivre. Through this analysis, we aim to explore the implications of this cooperation and ask the questions that deserve to be discussed.
*A proactive initiative*
At the head of this project, Daniel Mukoko Samba, Vice-Prime Minister in charge of the National Economy, insisted on the importance of a proactive approach aimed at establishing connections between Angolan operators and the Congolese private sector. This reflects a desire to import know-how and experiences in an area where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces considerable challenges. Waste management in Kinshasa, an expanding metropolis, has become a question of urban survival. Indeed, rapid demographic growth and unlanned urbanization, combined with often deficient infrastructure, exacerbate environmental and health problems.
*A vision of sustainable development*
The project is part of a broader vision of sustainable development, with the ambition of positioning Kinshasa as a future regional logistics hub. This aspiration is laudable, but it must be carried by a real strategy of local integration. How to guarantee that local partners really benefit from this partnership? The creation of new logistics paths should not only be limited to economic exchanges, but it must also be perceived as an opportunity to revitalize the affected communities. The question of the national appropriation of projects is central to avoid too much dependence on foreign investments.
*The stake of the infrastructure*
The projects inspired by the Angolan model, including the Lobito corridor, highlight a potential for optimizing supply chains. In this regard, it is essential to take into account not only the delivery of goods, but also the consequences on the environment and on local populations. Can logistical efficiency be synonymous with sustainability without a deep reflection on the impact of these projects?
It is not uncommon for ambitious projects, even those with a lasting vision, are not accompanied by the measures necessary for their effective implementation. The absence of solid infrastructure and adequate regulation can decrease the expected positive impact. What mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the progress of these initiatives and guarantee their long -term efficiency?
*An opportunity for the private sector*
Mukoko Samba’s proposal to encourage local partnerships is a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that this encouragement is not only materialized by promises, but is also accompanied by concrete support for Congolese companies. How to make sure that small and medium -sized local businesses have the means to participate in this dynamic?
The experiences shared between Angolan and Congolese companies could lead to beneficial technical exchanges and the development of skills essential for economic empowerment. However, this opening must be done while respecting local realities and national priorities.
*Conclusion*
The initiation of a logistics platform for waste management in Kinshasa represents a potential advance towards a regional collaboration beneficial for the DRC and Angola. However, this project must be accompanied by a real reflection on the impact on the environment and the well-being of the populations. The question of local integration and real benefits for Congolese actors must remain at the heart of the discussions.
It is through an open and constructive dialogue between all the stakeholders that this initiative will be able to evolve towards a lasting solution. In short, DRC-Angola cooperation is not only an infrastructure project, but an opportunity to think about a harmonious and inclusive development.