Africa Finance Corporation a leading infrastructure solutions provider in partnership with Alstom a pioneer in sustainable mobility is set to propel the development of the MetroKin rail project in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kinshasa rail project is set to unfold in four phases, starting with the overhaul of a 25km stretch from Kinshasa’s central station to N’Djili International Airport, completely upgrading the existing railway.
Through an MoU, the partners have committed to finalizing the prior commitment with Trans Connexion Congo (TCC) to develop a mass transit system that extends over 300km of the Kinshasa rail project, the most populous city in Africa. Erick Onepunga Yongo, Managing Director of MetroKin said: “Under the lead of AFC, with the support of Alstom and the Congolese government, the materialisation of this project becomes effective through the project company MetroKin.SA“.
This is a crucial infrastructure as Kinshasa faces critical transport challenges, exacerbated by rapid population growth and inadequate development. Considering that the current transportation system meets less than half of the daily demand, according to the city’s urban transport master plan.
Thus, the project aims to expand and modernize the existing rail network, improving connectivity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly cutting transportation times between the suburbs and the city center.
AFC with this move is committed to building on an initial investment of US$3 million to advance the project development phase, leading to financial closure. As the Mandated Lead Arranger, AFC is spearheading this transformative urban project.
In an aim to provide a next-level transport system, Alstom has been brought on board based on its expertise as a strategic industrial partner supporting the broader goal of enhancing urban mobility across Africa. Evidenced by its experience in South Africa’s urban train systems and regional projects like the Dakar Express train and Abidjan’s first metro line.
According to Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development & Technical Solutions at AFC, the expertise displayed by Alstom is crucial as the Kinshasa Rail Project is pushed forward to enhance Kinshasa’s economic landscape, creating numerous jobs, and transforming lives.
Bernard Peille, Managing Director at Alstom for Africa stated that the aim is to contribute to the city’s development ambitions by leveraging our global expertise and supporting its citizens in their mobility needs.
“Through our enhanced presence in the region, Alstom is committed to partnering with MetroKin to support the development of an effective mass urban transit solution for Kinshasa,” said Bernard.