WBCG strengthens presence in DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s increasing focus on local mineral beneficiation and value addition is creating new freight opportunities along the Walvis Bay-Ndola- Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC). Jen Mbayo, Walvis Bay Corridor Group business development manager for the DRC, said more minerals were being processed domestically rather than being exported as concentrates. This was driving demand for imported production inputs, including sulphur, mining chemicals, equipment and industrial consumables, while also creating opportunities to support exports of refined mineral products. The WBCG has continued to strengthen its presence in the DRC, with a particular focus on the Haut-Katanga, Lualaba and Tanganyika provinces. “Through targeted engagement with mining companies, freight forwarders, transporters, clearing agents and other supply chain stakeholders, WBCG continues to promote the WBNLDC as a reliable and competitive trade route for the DRC mining sector,” Mbayo told Freight News. Freight volumes on the corridor are continuing to grow, driven primarily by sustained expansion in copper production, increased mining investment and ongoing exploration activities. “Rising production of strategic minerals such as cobalt, zinc and lithium is expected to further stimulate demand for logistics services over the medium term,” said Mbayo. The DRC logistics landscape is also increasingly characterised by trade corridor diversification. Mbayo said mining companies and logistics providers were looking beyond traditional routes for safer, more reliable and cost-effective options that could improve supply chain resilience and reduce congestion. “There is also renewed interest in developing multimodal transport solutions, particularly rail-road integration, to improve efficiency, reduce transport costs and support the movement of increasing mining volumes,” Mbayo said. According to Mbayo, the continued development of the Walvis Bay-Kambimba- Kolwezi Corridor represents one of the most significant opportunities to strengthen regional logistics connectivity. He said the corridor had the potential to reduce transit times, improve cargo security, lower logistics costs and increase cargo throughput through the Port of Walvis Bay. “Investments in road infrastructure, rail connectivity, border modernisation, dry ports and One-Stop Border Posts will be critical in improving trade facilitation and supporting future mining growth,” Mbayo told Freight News. He said the outlook for the country remained positive. “Continued growth in copper production, sustained mining investment and increasing domestic mineral processing are expected to drive strong demand for transport and logistics services, and the WBNLDC is well positioned to support this growth by providing a reliable, efficient, safe and cost-effective gateway through the Port of Walvis Bay.” LV