In order to overcome the high costs, long cycles, and external dependencies caused by the import of railway equipment, the DRC government has recently officially released an EOI, inviting global investors and partners to jointly participate in a major project aimed at designing, financing, constructing, equipping, and operating new railway production facilities domestically. This move marks a crucial step for the Democratic Republic of Congo in revitalizing its national railway network and strengthening industrial sovereignty.

Whole industry chain layout: Three regions collaborate to create a local railway supply chain

According to the project plan, the Democratic Republic of Congo will build a complete domestic railway supply chain system and select three core locations to form a collaborative layout:

Raw Material Base (Banyaria, Bandundu Province): Responsible for the mining and preliminary processing of raw materials such as iron ore, limestone, and coal. The area has been confirmed to have abundant iron ore resources and energy development potential.

Core Production Center (Kinshasa): The main production units will be established, including hot rolling mills for rolling UIC54 and 60 standard steel rails, which are the core of steel forming into railways.

Precision machining and export hub (Kinshasa): Here, deep processing and strict quality control of steel rails are carried out. Meanwhile, the capital Kinshasa will play the role of an export logistics center, allowing products to be shipped to domestic and international markets in the future.

The comprehensive production facility will be equipped with modern electric arc furnaces powered by a hybrid hydroelectric power station to ensure green production. In addition, the project also plans to construct metallurgical laboratories, testing facilities, and a technical training and industrial internship center to reserve talents for the long-term development of the industry.

PPP financing model, seeking global partners to jointly draw a blueprint

The project is expected to be implemented using BOOT or other public-private partnership (PPP) models. The project financing will involve the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and multiple international and regional financial institutions, including the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, World Bank, etc., demonstrating the international community's recognition of the potential of the plan.

The specific design, construction, and operation work of the project will be undertaken by a specially established project company or special purpose vehicle SPV. Interested partners must submit a letter of intent before March 9, 2026. Bidders are required to submit a detailed concept statement outlining their technical proposal, financing structure, proposed PPP cooperation approach, training and technology transfer plan, and specific implementation schedule. Keywords: international news, international news and information

The construction of this railway production facility directly serves the ambitious goal of revitalizing and upgrading the 5000 kilometer national railway network in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and will provide solid material support for major regional integration projects such as the "Lobito Corridor". It is expected that this project will not only reduce the cost and time of infrastructure construction, but also significantly enhance the industrial autonomy and economic resilience of the Democratic Republic of Congo by creating technical jobs, promoting skill transfer, and developing local content.Editor/Cheng Liting