DP World has chosen Mota-Engil, a trusted construction firm, to lead the development of the Banana Port, a key project to enhance the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s role as a major trade hub.
The Banana Port, located on the Atlantic coast in Kongo Central province, is a significant investment in the DRC infrastructure.
As the DRC’s sole marine gateway for containerised goods, it will expedite trade procedures, consolidate all administrative and customs activities, and improve the government’s visibility and control over foreign trade operations.
The Banana Port will be built in stages, with the first phase planned to accommodate large vessels, with a 600-metre quay, a handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs per year, and 30 hectares of storage space.
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The second phase will expand the quay wall by more than 2 kilometres.
The port is a DP World venture with cooperation from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance organisation and impact investor.
According to DP World, the port’s construction will create thousands of jobs and opportunities for Congolese workers and businesses.
It will reportedly be the country’s first fully-equipped maritime gateway, reducing transportation costs, improving trade efficiency, and supporting local industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.
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Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “The Banana Port is a transformative project that will reshape the trade and logistics landscape of the DRC.
“By partnering with Mota-Engil, we are ensuring that this world-class infrastructure is built to the highest standards, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for the Congolese people.
“This project will transform trade, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s economy for generations to come.”
