The Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road is a landmark infrastructure project connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, designed to enhance regional trade, transportation efficiency, and economic development.
The project involves the construction of 184 kilometers of modern highway—split evenly between Zambia (92 km) and the DRC (92 km)—a 362-meter cable-stayed bridge over the Luapula River, and a one-stop border post (OSBP) with all necessary facilities.
Structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the project is managed and financed by GED Africa, acting as concessionaire and investment manager. The Hungarian conglomerate Duna Aszfalt Zrt. provides modern engineering technology and financing access, while China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) handles the road and bridge construction.
The total project cost is estimated at US$850 million to $1 billion, with GED Africa holding two 25-year concessions—one with each government—to finance, design, build, operate, maintain, and toll the road. Construction began in June 2024, with the bridge contract signed in March 2025, and full completion and public opening expected by April 2027.
Notably, the Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road is the first of its scale in Africa to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM), enhancing coordination, accuracy, and construction efficiency.
Expected Impact
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Reduced Travel Time: Commercial transporters, particularly in the DRC mining sector, could save up to 500 km on round-trip journeys to the port of Dar es Salaam.
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Economic Hub: The road is set to transform Zambia’s Luapula Province into a growing trade and agricultural hub.
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Local Benefits: Communities in Mwense District and surrounding areas will gain job creation, improved connectivity, and increased business investment.
The Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road is poised to become a game-changing infrastructure project for the DRC-Zambia corridor, facilitating regional trade, boosting local economies, and strengthening cross-border logistics and cooperation.
