An important step towards opening up the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo was taken on Friday, July 4, 2025, with the signing of a $257 million concession contract. The agreement focuses on the rehabilitation and modernization of the Kisangani-Ubundu railway section, a strategic axis for national logistics.
This partnership was concluded between the Congolese government and a consortium bringing together the South Korean company KECC and the Congolese company Masco Energies, with financial support from Equity BCDC bank.
“We are happy to reach this milestone. With the feasibility studies completed and conclusive, we are now ready to enter the execution phase,” said Gabriel Madua Masudi, president of Masco Energies.
This railway project is fully in line with the national strategy of opening up and modernizing infrastructure, led by the Congolese government. It aims to strengthen territorial integration and improve accessibility to remote areas, especially those with high agricultural and mining potential.
The signing ceremony, presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Communication and Opening Up, marks the official launch of the works, which are scheduled to begin in July. This contract materializes a previously signed memorandum of understanding, which also includes the rehabilitation of the Kindu-Kalemie section, another corridor for the transportation of people and goods in the east of the country.
In addition to boosting economic exchanges and reducing logistical costs, the revival of the Kisangani-Ubundu railway is expected to enhance the competitiveness of local products in the national and regional markets. Ultimately, it could pave the way for a broader modernization of the Congolese railway network.
