The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has selected SAFRIMEX to undertake the modernization of Tshikapa National Airport. The company is one of four civil engineering firms that signed contracts with the Congolese government on October 29, 2026, to rehabilitate and modernize 13 airport infrastructures across the country. The signing ceremony took place in Kinshasa, led by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba.
The contract award comes after the initial contractor, Horizon Massamba Corporation, was withdrawn from the project in May 2026. The decision to withdraw the contract was made following a joint mission by the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT) and Chinese company SISC SA, which found that the initial contractor had delayed the project by nearly 11 months. The modernization program, funded by the Congolese Treasury, involves several interventions at the concerned airports, including the construction and extension of runways, renovation of terminals and control towers, and construction of perimeter walls and fire stations.
SAFRIMEX will not only work on the Tshikapa airport but also on those in Bandundu, Bumba, Lisala, and Matadi. The company is expected to carry out various works, including the construction and extension of runways, renovation of terminals and control towers, and construction of perimeter walls, fire stations, inspection buildings, and freight infrastructure. The project aims to improve the country's airport infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency.
The modernization program is part of a larger effort to upgrade the country's airport infrastructure. A total of 13 airports will be rehabilitated and modernized across the country. The government has expressed its commitment to investing in the country's transportation infrastructure, which is essential for economic growth and development.
According to the announced schedule, the first deliveries of the rehabilitated or modernized infrastructures are expected by the end of 2028. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. The government has urged the contractor to adhere to the timeline and deliver quality work.
The withdrawal of the initial contractor and the awarding of the contract to SAFRIMEX demonstrate the government's determination to ensure the project's successful completion. The Congolese government has assured that it will provide the necessary support to ensure the project's timely completion.
The modernization of Tshikapa National Airport and other airports in the country is a significant step towards improving the country's transportation infrastructure. The project is expected to boost economic growth, enhance safety, and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has awarded a contract to SAFRIMEX for the modernization of Tshikapa National Airport.
- The contract is part of a larger program to rehabilitate and modernize 13 airport infrastructures across the country.
- The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, with SAFRIMEX working on several airports, including Tshikapa, Bandundu, Bumba, Lisala, and Matadi.
