Financing for the Zongo–Boyabo–Gemena–Akula road is receiving stronger support from several international partners. The route is expected to improve the land connection between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), while strengthening access to markets in South-Ubangi Province.

Zongo–Gemena–Akula Road at the Center of Talks in Kinshasa

The European Union Delegation brought together several development finance partners this week in Kinshasa to discuss the Zongo–Boyabo–Gemena–Akula road project. The European Union (EU), the French Development Agency (AFD), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) took part in the discussions, alongside Minister John Banza and Deputy Minister Élysé Bokumwana.

The discussions focus on continued financial support for the road linking Zongo, Boyabo, Gemena and Akula in South-Ubangi Province, near the border with CAR.

The project addresses a concrete logistics constraint: weak road infrastructure currently limits the reliability of road connections in this part of the DRC. Upgrading the route is expected to facilitate vehicle movements and strengthen links between production areas, local markets and cross-border trade.

No financing amount has been disclosed in the information available. The meeting nevertheless confirms the continued mobilization of development partners around the project’s financing structure.

What Could the Zongo–Gemena–Akula Road Change for Road Freight?

Improving the Zongo–Gemena–Akula road could affect several operational factors. Better road conditions could reduce disruptions linked to poor infrastructure, shorten travel times and improve the predictability of freight operations.

For logistics operators, the issue also concerns operating costs. More reliable road conditions can help reduce vehicle wear, downtime and the risk of delays on transport links between the DRC and CAR.

Why It Matters

• Smoother freight flows: Improved road connectivity could reduce constraints affecting the movement of goods and vehicles.
• South-Ubangi connectivity: The route is intended to strengthen the province’s links with markets and cross-border networks.
• DRC–CAR trade: Better road infrastructure could facilitate commercial exchanges between the two countries.

A Regional Issue for Central African Corridors

At regional level, the Zongo–Boyabo–Gemena–Akula road is part of efforts to strengthen land connectivity between the DRC and CAR. For Central African supply chains, road infrastructure remains a key factor in reducing transit times and improving the reliability of movements between markets.

Securing financing is therefore an important step before the actual works can proceed. For carriers and shippers, the key test will ultimately be whether the Zongo–Gemena–Akula road can deliver sustained improvements in transit times, reliability and operating costs between the DRC and CAR.