Banana Port

Objective

Once completed, the Banana Port will streamline trade operations, cut transport costs, and centralize customs and administrative processes. It is also expected to create thousands of jobs, benefit local industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, and integrate the DRC into Africa’s broader supply chain network.

Description

The first phase includes a 600-meter quay, a 30-hectare storage area, and an annual handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs. A planned second phase will extend the quay wall by more than two kilometers, increasing capacity for larger vessels. The project is structured as a public-private partnership, with DP World holding a 70% stake in the joint venture and the Congolese government holding the remaining 30%. The concession agreement between DP World and the Congolese government is for 30 years, extendable to 50 years.

History

The port of Banana dates from the 19th century when it developed in part to serve the slave trade. Following the Conference of Berlin in 1884-85, the Congo Basin came under the control of Belgium’s Léopold II and the little port near the mouth of the mighty Congo River became the main Belgian naval base in Africa which continued until 1960.

Finance