CREFDL: RDC Corridors Lobito Banana PPP Transparence Failures Cited

• A report by CREFDL identifies significant procedural and transparency shortcomings in the implementation of the Lobito and Banana corridor projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The report specifically highlights non-compliance with Articles 24 and 25 of the DRC's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law, which governs the PPP Advisory and Coordination Unit.
• CREFDL advocates for enhanced transparency in infrastructure contracts and greater involvement of local communities to ensure project success and ownership.
• The citizen study, conducted from January to August 2026, was supported by the National Endowment for Democracy and referenced DRC Constitution Article 37 and Decree No. 22/37 on budgetary governance.
• These strategic RDC corridors, including Lobito and Banana, are crucial for national connectivity and regional economic integration, necessitating robust legal and transparent implementation.

The organization's findings underscore the critical importance of strict adherence to the legal framework, particularly Articles 24 and 25 of the PPP law, to ensure transparency in the execution of these pivotal infrastructure projects.

The Centre de recherche en finances publiques et développement (CREFDL) has issued a critical assessment regarding the implementation of the strategic Lobito and Banana corridors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a report presented recently in Kinshasa, this civil society organization highlighted a series of procedural deficiencies and a lack of adherence to transparency principles essential for the successful execution of these significant infrastructure initiatives. The CREFDL rapport PPP RDC specifically points to failures in meeting certain prerequisites mandated for the conclusion of public-private partnership (PPP) contracts.

Analysis conducted by CREFDL into the operational mechanisms of these two infrastructure projects revealed non-compliance with specific requirements outlined in Articles 24 and 25 of the law establishing the Public-Private Partnership Advisory and Coordination Unit. The organization strongly emphasized the imperative of respecting the established legal framework to guarantee full transparency in the management and execution of these crucial development endeavors. This finding signals increased scrutiny on transparency and legal procedures for Partenariat public-privé RDC Lobito Banana projects.

The organization's findings underscore the critical importance of strict adherence to the legal framework, particularly Articles 24 and 25 of the PPP law, to ensure transparency in the execution of these pivotal infrastructure projects. These articles are fundamental to the proper functioning and oversight of PPPs within the DRC, guiding the creation, organization, and operations of the advisory unit responsible for these partnerships. For lawyers advising on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the Lobito and Banana corridors, this report signals a heightened need for strict compliance with these specific articles.

Beyond the PPP law, the citizen study conducted by CREFDL, which spanned from January to August 2026, drew upon Article 37 of the DRC Constitution and Decree No. 22/37 of October 29, 2022, concerning budgetary governance. These legal instruments provide a broader framework for accountability and citizen participation in public affairs, reinforcing the call for greater Transparence contrats infrastructures RDC. The national coordinator for CREFDL, Valéry Madianga, acknowledged that PPPs offer a viable pathway for realizing such large-scale projects without imposing an undue financial burden on the state budget, provided they are executed with integrity and legal fidelity.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has identified eight strategic development corridors, including Banana, Matadi, Lobito, Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Goma, Bukavu, and Aru. These RDC corridors are designed to enhance national connectivity, overcome geographical isolation, and foster economic integration both domestically and regionally. The effective and transparent implementation of these projects is therefore paramount for the country's broader development objectives.

CREFDL also strongly advocates for the increased Implication communautés locales projets RDC in the development and operation of the Lobito and Banana corridors. Valéry Madianga stressed that active participation from local communities is vital for cultivating a sense of ownership among the affected populations, which in turn contributes significantly to the long-term success and sustainability of these projects. The citizen study underpinning these recommendations received support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) as part of the second phase of a project dedicated to monitoring the management of funds allocated to infrastructure.

The concerns raised by CREFDL regarding the Lobito and Banana RDC corridors underscore a broader imperative for robust governance and accountability in major infrastructure development. The identified shortcomings in adhering to Articles 24 and 25 of the PPP law, alongside the principles of budgetary governance, highlight potential legal and reputational risks for all parties involved. This necessitates careful due diligence to mitigate such risks, especially for clients engaged in these or similar strategic development projects.

Ultimately, the call for greater transparence contrats infrastructures RDC and strict legal compliance is not merely a procedural formality but a cornerstone for ensuring that these vital projects deliver their intended benefits to the Congolese people. The emphasis on citizen participation and adherence to the legal framework, including the Loi PPP RDC articles 24 25, reflects a commitment to equitable and sustainable development, fostering trust between the government, private partners, and the communities directly impacted by these transformative initiatives.

Lawyers advising on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the Lobito and Banana corridors, must ensure strict compliance with articles 24 and 25 of the DRC's PPP law. This report signals increased scrutiny on transparency and legal procedures, requiring careful due diligence to mitigate legal and reputational risks for clients involved in these or similar strategic development projects.

Source: Original reporting via a civil society organization's findings