The Sino-Congolese Programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces critical setbacks as customs clearance bottlenecks stall the progression of key infrastructure projects, despite robust institutional, technical, and financial mobilization.
bitumen shortages halt major roadworks
During a recent infrastructure caravan in the Grand Bandundu region, Nico Nzau Nzau, Director-General of the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), alerted John Banza, Minister of Infrastructure, about the dire consequences of delayed customs clearance. More than six months of administrative logjams at the Matadi port have left substantial quantities of imported bitumen—essential for road surfacing—unreleased, even though the project benefits from tax exemptions under Law n°14/005 of February 11, 2014, and Amendment n°5 to the 2024 Collaboration Agreement.
Without urgent intervention, the Programme risks a severe slowdown, potentially halting progress on multiple fronts. The Agence de Pilotage, Coordination et Suivi des Conventions (APCSC), as the central coordinating body, must take decisive action to resolve outstanding fiscal clearances and streamline logistics.
impact on flagship projects
Since June 19, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works has led an inspection tour across several provinces to assess progress. While some initiatives show promise—such as the ongoing expansion of Kikwit General Referral Hospital, which will increase capacity from 150 to 650 beds—others are critically affected. Over 1,477 tons of bitumen destined for Kinshasa bypasses, the Matadi-Tshela-Singini road, and the Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji route remain stranded at Matadi Port since January 2026. Similarly, approximately 1,650 tons of bitumen for the rehabilitation of National Road 1 (Mbujimayi-Nguba section) are held up in the Grand Katanga region.
Additional equipment—including a concrete plant for Idiofa Stadium, heavy machinery, spare parts, and other materials—is also trapped in customs, preventing deployment to construction sites. These delays threaten the timely completion of projects lauded by the public, such as:
- The South-East and South-West bypasses of Kinshasa
- The Manterne–Tshela–Singini road
- The Kananga–Kalamba Mbuji corridor
- National Road 1 (Mbujimayi–Nguba)
- Idiofa Stadium
- Kikwit General Referral Hospital
dry season exacerbates delays
The current dry season, typically ideal for construction, now compounds delays. The Minister highlighted that, despite earlier successes—such as the substructure work on the South-East Bypass of Kinshasa and land clearance along the same segment—progress remains at risk without immediate resolution of customs barriers.
The consequences are far-reaching: delayed infrastructure delivery means Congolese citizens will not benefit from modern amenities in the foreseeable future. The APCSC, as the designated interface between stakeholders, must prioritize customs clearance to safeguard the Programme’s objectives.
With thousands of tons of critical materials and equipment still immobilized, the country stands to lose both time and developmental gains. The call to action is clear: expedite customs procedures to prevent a nationwide infrastructure crisis.
