Multilateral financial institution the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and transportation systems developer Alstom have inked an MoU to advance the MetroKin rail project in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The parties aim to complete the development phase of the project by the end of 2024.
Building on an existing agreement between the AFC and state-owned company Trans Connexion Congo (TCC), the partnership aims to develop a mass transit system covering over 300km of railway in Kinshasa – Africa’s most populous city. Acting as the Mandated Lead Arranger, the AFC has pledged an initial investment of $3 million to move the project into the development phase.
“We are pleased to welcome a global institution of high repute like Alstom to the project. Their expertise will be crucial as we push forward with this project, which promises to reshape Kinshasa’s economic landscape, create numerous jobs and transform lives,” said Senior Director of Project Development & Technical Solutions at AFC Amadou Wadda.
The project – divided into four phases – will begin with refurbishing a 25km stretch from Kinshasa’s central station to N’Djili International Airport, modernizing the existing railway infrastructure.
The initiative will address Kinshasa’s critical transportation challenges caused by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure. The enhanced rail network will improve connectivity, reduce emissions and shorten travel times between the suburbs and the city center.
