The 300-kilometer Kinshasa rail transit construction takes shape in Africa’s most populous city as French-based Alstom comes on board. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has signed a memorandum of agreement with Alstom, a French company, to construct Kinshasa’s 300-kilometer rail transit. This significant partnership was announced alongside the recent state visit of His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to France. The partnership builds on the prior agreement that the Trans Connexion Congo (TCC) had signed with Africa Finance Corporation. The project is expected to unfold in four phases. The first phase’s cost has been estimated at $US 250m. It includes rebuilding the existing 1067-mm gauge route as a double-track 1435-mm gauge line, building eight stations, new signalling, and constructing and rehabilitating bridges along the road.
The Scope of Work in the Construction of Kinshasa’s 300-Kilometer Rail Transit
The development of the MetroKin rail project, Kinshasa’s 300-kilometer rail transit, is expected to be completed in four phases. The project’s first phase entails a 255-kilometer rail connection from the central station of Kinshasa to the city’s N’Djili International Airport. Implementation will also involve replacing the existing rail truck within this path. The first phase, consolidated by a joint agreement between Africa Finance Corporation and Trans Connexion Congo, will see the corporation make an initial $3 million investment. As earlier noted, the investment is expected to take the project to the financial close of the second quarter of 2024. In addition to being the project’s co-developer and investor, AFC is the project’s mandated lead arranger. The rail network’s development is highly anticipated to boost the current overburdened transport system.
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The Significance of the Memorandum of Agreement Between AFC and Alstom
Alstom’s involvement in constructing Kinshasa’s 300-kilometer rail transit, the Metrokin rail project, is commendable. The company’s commitment as a strategic industrial partner supports the broader goal of enhancing urban mobility across Africa. From its experience in South Africa’s urban train systems and regional projects like Dakar’s express train and Abidjan’s first metro line, Alstom is set to contribute significantly to Kinshasa’s transit overhaul. 
According to Kinshasa’s urban transport master plan, the current transportation system meets less than half the daily demand. This necessitates more novel approaches to dealing with the situation. This entails aspects such as the expeditious development of the Metrokin rail project. “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. It will also be vital to create numerous jobs and transform lives,” noted Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development & Technical Solutions at AFC.
State of Affairs Regarding the MetroKin Rail Project
The Congolese government has noted that it will facilitate the expeditious development of the anticipated Kinshasa’s rail transit project. The government is also pleased to include Alstom on board as they note it as a commendable endeavour. The project has reached a highly technical phase as the technical designs are almost completed. The timing of Alstom could not be better as the trio is now expected to commence official construction of the railway line. Furthermore, the project will likely live up to its expectations and modernize the current rail system in Kinshasa. The construction and completion of the project is expected to take shape at the end of 2024.
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