Haut-Katanga, with key cities such as Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, and its dry port of Kasumbalesa, serves as a strategic hub for cross-border trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. However, despite its obvious economic potential, the region faces major challenges related to the quality of its road infrastructure, urban congestion, and delays in customs clearance of goods. Given these issues, some solutions could be explored to improve mobility and streamline commercial exchanges.
Main Roads and Current State of Infrastructure
The road network in Haut-Katanga covers about 18,600 km, of which only 5% is paved, a figure significantly below the African average of 12% to 15%. National roads RN1 and RN39 are the main transport arteries in Haut-Katanga. They handle heavy traffic, mostly trucks carrying minerals and other goods between the DRC and Zambia. Unfortunately, these roads are often in poor condition, significantly slowing down the flow of goods and increasing transportation costs.
Suggestion: A regular rehabilitation program for major roads, financed through public-private partnerships, could improve the quality of infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Bypass Roads: Reducing Urban Congestion
The constant flow of trucks through city centers, especially in Lubumbashi and Kasumbalesa, causes significant traffic jams and creates nuisances for residents. The creation of bypass roads could relieve urban congestion by diverting transit traffic to peripheral routes.
Suggestion: The creation of peripheral roads around Lubumbashi and Kasumbalesa could reduce congestion in city centers, making it easier for both residents and goods to move around.
Kasumbalesa Dry Port: Towards Greater Customs Efficiency
The dry port of Kasumbalesa, inaugurated in 2023, represents an investment of approximately $300 million. It is a critical point for trade between the DRC and Zambia, with an estimated daily traffic of 16,000 trucks, including 8,000 imports and 8,000 exports. However, customs clearance procedures are often lengthy and complex, leading to significant delays.
Suggestion: The digitization of customs processes, including the implementation of online pre-declaration systems and the installation of modern scanners, could speed up procedures and reduce waiting times.
Planning Better Urban Integration
The development of transport corridors should not come at the expense of urban residents. It is essential to integrate road and logistics infrastructure into a harmonious urban framework.
Suggestion: Creating logistics hubs on the outskirts of cities could limit the entry of trucks into city centers. These hubs, equipped with storage areas and secure parking, could serve as redistribution points for goods, with lighter vehicles handling urban deliveries.
Financing and Governance
Financing infrastructure projects remains a major challenge in the region. If the government cannot bear these costs alone, partnerships with the private sector and international donors could offer viable solutions.
Suggestion: Establishing a clear framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) would be an interesting option to mobilize the necessary funds. Additionally, creating a regional infrastructure management agency responsible for coordinating projects and supervising their implementation would ensure greater efficiency in project execution.
These various points will be at the heart of discussions during the ninth edition of ExpoBeton, which will be held in Lubumbashi. This platform will bring together experts, policymakers, and investors to jointly explore the best solutions for improving infrastructure and logistics in Haut-Katanga. The objective is clear: to turn the region into a true economic hub, capable of addressing the challenges of cross-border trade while improving the quality of life for its residents.
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