DR Congo-Zambia Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe Corridor Set for 2027 Opening
New DR Congo-Zambia Road Corridor to Ease Trade Bottlenecks with 2027 Opening Target
A new transport corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia is expected to open in 2027 if construction remains on schedule.
The Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe corridor is being developed under a concession awarded jointly by the two countries to GED Africa and includes a major bridge over the Luapula River, a cross-border road link and a one-stop border post.
Located in Haut-Katanga province in the DRC, the project is designed to provide an alternative route to the heavily congested Kasumbalesa border crossing, which serves as the main land trade link between the two countries.
The border point frequently experiences delays due to high volumes of freight traffic, affecting supply chains and regional commerce.
The new corridor is expected to reduce congestion, improve border efficiency and strengthen trade links between the DRC, Zambia and wider regional markets.
Major Infrastructure Components Under Construction
The first major component of the project is the construction of the Luapula Bridge, which will measure 362 metres long and 20 metres wide.
The bridge works include the construction of foundations, the main structure, the bridge deck, electrical systems and operational infrastructure.
According to the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), significant progress has already been made on the bridge.
The four main supports have been completed, while steel components manufactured in China are being prepared for installation.
Major structural elements, including beams, crossbeams and deck sections, have already been transported to the Chalwe construction site, where assembly activities are underway.
93-Kilometre Road Link Progresses
The second component involves construction of the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe road, which will extend for about 93 kilometres.
The route includes a 59-kilometre section between Kasomeno and Kasenga in the DRC and a further 31-kilometre connection between Kasenga and Chalwe near the Zambian border.
Construction activities include clearing the road corridor, earthworks, road base preparation, surfacing, drainage systems and the construction of crossings along the route.
ACGT reported that about 65 kilometres of the road right of way have already been cleared.
Rock excavation is continuing, including controlled blasting on difficult terrain such as Ngonga Hill, where nearly 50 kilometres of challenging sections have been completed.
Road construction is being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The Luapula Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in March 2027, while completion of the full Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe road is targeted for July 2027.
Project developers estimate that the corridor could shorten the transport distance between Lubumbashi and the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania by around 250 kilometres compared with the existing Kasumbalesa route.
One-Stop Border Facility to Improve Trade Efficiency
The project also includes a one-stop border post designed to simplify customs and immigration procedures between the DRC and Zambia.
Under the system, border agencies from both countries will operate from a shared facility, reducing duplication of processes and helping speed up cargo clearance.
ACGT said the border facility will include 37 buildings, with nine already at the foundation stage.
The complex will also include facilities for border services and a dedicated truck parking area.
Community and Environmental Measures Included
The project includes environmental and social programmes aimed at supporting communities along the corridor.
Measures include assistance for affected communities involved in crop and livestock farming, as well as the construction of replacement homes for households impacted by the road alignment.
New housing is planned in the villages of Kipeta, Iteni and Lushingo as part of the project’s resettlement programme.
Once completed, the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe corridor is expected to become a key regional trade route, improving connectivity between the DRC and Zambia while supporting economic growth and cross-border commerce in southern Africa.
SOURCE:bankable.africa
