The Congolese capital is preparing to take a major step in its urban modernization: Kinshasa’s first underground express tram line could enter service as early as 2027.
According to information released following a meeting in Rotterdam between the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza, and Jean-Pierre Van Erps, coordinator of the Tramways of Kinshasa consortium, the first underground express tram line could begin operations on November 27, 2027. During the meeting, the minister handed over to consortium officials the original copy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 8, 2025, bearing the ministry’s official seal.
However, several steps remain before the project can move forward, including the finalization of a consolidated and legally secure timeline, alignment of technical studies, financial structuring of the project, and the signing of the contract under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
The program, aimed at improving urban mobility in Kinshasa, provides for the construction of seven modern tram lines built on hybrid prefabricated tracks under exclusive technological license, the integration of adapted energy solutions, and the modernization of major urban roads and technical networks.
The consortium — composed of Prume Tramway RDC, Frateur-De Pourcq, and PowerChina — reports having mobilized more than 60 engineers for technical missions in Kinshasa. Studies based on the city’s historical plans revealed the need to build 173 bridges between the city center and N’djili International Airport.
The project also includes a flood management system, covering drainage, rainwater collection and treatment, with the redistribution of treated water to improve access to drinking water. Coordination is being overseen by the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT).
John Banza reaffirmed the government’s determination to swiftly launch the operational phase and finalize the PPP contract as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Congolese company Congo Trans S.A.R.L. is developing a separate project involving three tram lines in the capital, with an estimated investment of $205 million. In June 2025, Congo Trans signed a memorandum of understanding with the Moroccan company Balkan Ingénierie S.A.R.L. for engineering services and construction supervision, valued at 4% of the total project cost, or approximately $8.5 million.