The Central African Republic has entered a new phase in the development of the Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville-Bangui-N’Djamena (CD13) multimodal transport corridor with the laying of the foundation stone for the MANGOMBE river port.
The ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, marks a major milestone in efforts to strengthen intra-regional trade and improve livelihoods in Central Africa by enhancing road and river transport services along the corridor.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic led the event, joined by Prime Minister Félix Moloua, senior government officials, the interim Country Manager of the African Development Bank, Boye Kissagne, development partners, and local community leaders.
“By laying this stone, I confirm my strong commitment to building a modern Central African Republic that can capitalise on its geographical, hydraulic and human assets to take a worthy place among emerging nations,” President Touadéra said. “This marks a decisive turning point for our policy of openness, connectivity and greater economic exchange in our Central African sub-region. We are laying more than a stone: we are laying the foundation of something that will bring growth, hope and opportunities for our country.”
The Mongoumba port will serve as a strategic link in river transportation between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. It is expected to enhance regional connectivity, reduce supply delays and inflation, attract private sector investment, and improve cargo flow management between river and road transport. The new infrastructure will also generate jobs and stimulate opportunities in logistics and financial services.
The African Development Fund, the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group, has committed a $282 million grant to the project, reinforcing the Bank Group’s leadership in infrastructure financing across the continent.
“Today, we are not simply launching an infrastructure project; we are opening the door to a future firmly focused on shared prosperity,” Kissagne said. “The Port of Mongoumba is a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination to advance despite challenges.”
Construction of the port will take 24 months and will be carried out by the Italian-Egyptian Selip-Rowad consortium, under the supervision of the SCET Tunisie / Lege Engineering consortium.
The African Development Bank Group is currently financing 20 projects in the Central African Republic, totalling $583 million, mainly in transport (51%), water and sanitation (21%), agriculture (12%) and other sectors, including energy, social, governance and finance (16%).
