DRC President Inspects Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji “Road of Hope” as Key Infrastructure Project Advances
President Tshisekedi Reviews Progress on 230-Kilometer Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji Road, Boosting Regional Trade
On Monday, January 26, 2026, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi visited Kasai-Central to inspect the ongoing construction of the Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji road, a 230-kilometer strategic transport corridor, being developed by the Sino-Congolese Infrastructure Company (SISC SA).
The President was welcomed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza Lunda, and received technical briefings from Nicolas Nzau Nzau, Director General of the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), the delegated project owner. The BK control mission was also present to oversee the progress.
Road Fully Open to Traffic
Officials confirmed that the entire 230-kilometer road has been open to traffic since July 2025, ensuring seamless connectivity between Kananga and Kalamba-Mbuji on the Angolan border.
This milestone represents a major step in opening up Kasai-Central and enhancing cross-border trade.
Infrastructure and Technical Developments
SISC SA has established multiple aggregate production plants to supply gravel for asphalt concrete. These facilities have also enabled the construction of drainage systems through urban areas, including Tshama Tengu and Matamba, along the first 20 kilometers of the route.
Work on the initial 20 kilometers has been completed with a single asphalt layer, and construction is progressing towards the village of Kabundi. A 600-meter test section of the wearing course was successfully evaluated by the control mission.
For 2026, large-scale resurfacing and asphalt paving are planned over significant sections of the road.
Government and Partner Commitment
Minister John Banza Lunda emphasized the political priority of the project:
“The President of the Republic conceived this major project and is overseeing its execution. Today, we are pleased to announce that the road is fully open.”
During the visit, the Chairman and CEO of SISC SA presented the President with a comprehensive progress report and the company’s 2025 annual infrastructure report.
President Tshisekedi commended the quality of work, ongoing maintenance, and sustainability efforts along several regional road axes.
The Head of State reaffirmed his 2024 commitment that the Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji road—popularly known as the “Road of Hope”—would be repaired and reopened promptly. He thanked both Congolese and Chinese partners for their collaboration and urged SISC SA to continue adhering to high-quality construction standards.
Strategic Importance
Funded through the SICOMINES program and supervised by ACGT under the Sino-Congolese cooperation framework, the Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji road serves as a major structuring axis linking Kasai-Central to Angola via Luiza territory.
The road complements rail transport along the Lobito Corridor, creating a multimodal rail-road network that enhances regional trade, boosts the national tax base, and revitalizes rural economies.
The “Road of Hope” is expected to become a sustainable driver of economic growth and regional integration in central Democratic Republic of Congo, strengthening both domestic connectivity and cross-border commerce.
