DP World has appointed Mota-Engil, a Portuguese construction firm, to spearhead the development of the Banana Port—a key project aimed at strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) role as a major trade hub.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Banana Port project, which is set to revolutionize the DRC’s trade landscape by introducing modern infrastructure, lowering business costs, and enhancing the country’s economic independence.
Situated in the Kongo Central province along the Atlantic coast, Banana Port is a crucial investment in the DRC’s infrastructure. As the country’s sole maritime gateway for containerized cargo, it will streamline trade operations, centralize customs and administrative processes, and improve government oversight of foreign trade.
The project will be executed in phases, with the first phase designed to accommodate the world’s largest vessels. This phase will feature a 600-meter quay, a handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs per year, and 300,000m² of storage space.
The second phase will extend the quay wall by more than two kilometres. The port is a DP World investment, supported by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.
Construction will involve multiple companies, including local enterprises, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and creating new opportunities for Congolese workers and businesses. As the country’s first fully-equipped maritime gateway, the port is expected to reduce transport costs, enhance trade efficiency, and support key industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the strategic importance of this development, stating: “The Banana Port is a transformative project that will reshape the trade and logistics landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 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.”
