• DR Congo and Abu Dhabi–based AD Ports signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and operate a multi-purpose terminal at Matadi port.
• The project aims to ease logistics bottlenecks and support rising trade volumes, although authorities disclosed no financial or technical details.
• The initiative forms part of a broader logistics strategy that includes the Lobito Corridor, dry ports, and cross-border road links.

Abu Dhabi–based port operator AD Ports announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the DR Congo Ministry of Transport to develop and operate a multi-purpose terminal at the port of Matadi. The preliminary agreement sets the framework for cooperation aimed at modernizing a strategic national asset.

Both parties plan to explore development and operating terms for the future terminal in order to improve port capacity and operational efficiency. The project also aims to support growing trade volumes and streamline import and export supply chains. At this stage, however, the parties disclosed no technical specifications or financial commitments.

The project fits into a wider logistics program discussed between AD Ports and Congolese authorities in November 2025. That program includes the Lobito Corridor, the construction of two dry ports, and road connections linking Kolwezi to Dilolo, as well as DR Congo to Angola and Zambia.

If implemented, the terminal would complement the ongoing expansion program at Matadi port, which continues to face several technical constraints.

Located on the left bank of the Congo River, Matadi port lacks sufficient draft to accommodate large-tonnage vessels. This limitation forces the country to route part of its external trade through transit ports such as Dar es Salaam, Pointe-Noire, Lobito, Luanda, and Mombasa.

As part of Matadi’s modernization, French construction group Eiffage announced in January 2025 that it secured a contract worth about €100 million ($119 million) from MCTC (Matadi Corridor Terminaux à Conteneurs) to upgrade the container terminal.

Over time, these developments should also complement the commissioning of the deep-water port of Banana, which is currently under construction. Authorities aim to strengthen national logistics capacity and reduce reliance on foreign port infrastructure.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM