The Vice-Premier Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Pierre Bemba, has highlighted the importance of thorough studies in transport projects for their success. Speaking at the opening of a national roundtable on mobility, modal shift, and reform of the legal framework for transport in Kinshasa, Bemba emphasized that a project's relevance and strategic importance are not enough to guarantee its success. He cited the experience of several initiatives and projects in the country, which have encountered significant difficulties due to inadequate preparation.
Bemba noted that a project may respond to a real need, have institutional support, and attract financial partners, but still face major challenges if it is not preceded by in-depth studies. He stressed that these studies should cover technical, financial, legal, and operational conditions. The Vice-Premier Minister urged stakeholders to learn from past experiences and capitalize on lessons learned to avoid repeating mistakes. He emphasized that the goal is to make the DRC not only a transit country but also a major player in regional production, transformation, and distribution of wealth.
According to Bemba, any major transport project must be based on solid prior studies, including technical feasibility studies, economic and financial studies, traffic and demand studies, environmental and social studies, and legal and institutional studies. These studies should confirm a project's relevance and viability, establish real investment costs, assess user needs, integrate environmental and social requirements, and clarify stakeholder responsibilities. The Vice-Premier Minister's emphasis on thorough studies reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that transport projects are well-planned and effective.
The national roundtable on mobility, modal shift, and reform of the legal framework for transport in the DRC is being held in Kinshasa from November 9 to 11, 2026. The event, organized by the Groupe d'Études des Transports (Get) under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and the President, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, aims to bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss key issues in the transport sector. The roundtable's theme is "Building mobility that brings Congolese people together."
The government expects concrete, realistic, and actionable proposals from the roundtable, which will inform its national transport policy. Bemba expressed his hope that the organizers and experts will formulate precise recommendations that the government can examine, arbitrate, and integrate into its action program and sectoral planning instruments. The Vice-Premier Minister's call for practical solutions reflects the government's desire to improve the transport sector and promote economic development.
The DRC's transport sector faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and inefficient services. The government's efforts to reform the sector and promote sustainable mobility are critical to the country's economic growth and social development. By emphasizing the importance of thorough studies in transport projects, Bemba's statement sets the tone for a more strategic and effective approach to transport development in the DRC.
The roundtable's outcome is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive transport policy that addresses the country's mobility needs and promotes economic growth. The government's commitment to reforming the transport sector and promoting sustainable mobility is reflected in its efforts to engage stakeholders and experts in the policy-making process. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, expertise, and experiences in transport development.
Key points
- The DRC's Vice-Premier Minister emphasizes the need for thorough studies in transport projects to ensure their success.
- The government expects concrete proposals from the roundtable to inform its national transport policy.
- The transport sector's development is critical to the DRC's economic growth and social development.
