DP World Selects Mota-Engil to Build Banana Port in DRC
On 20 March 2026, DP World announced that it has selected Mota-Engil to lead the construction of Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This partnership marks a key milestone in the implementation of the Project, which is set to transform the country’s economy by facilitating international trade and reducing logistical costs for Congolese businesses.
The Banana Port is so-called as it is situated on a long strip of land reminiscent of the fruit. It is located at the mouth of the Congo River on the Atlantic coast in the Kongo Central province and will become the main container terminal for DRC.
The Project will be developed in phases, with the first phase comprising a 600-meter quay with an 18-meter draft. It will be able to accommodate two large ships simultaneously and handle up to 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent containers (TEU) annually. The container storage yard next to the dock will cover 30 hectares.
“The Banana Port is a transformative project that will reshape the trade and logistics landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By partnering with Mota-Engil, we are ensuring that this world-class infrastructure is built to the highest standards, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for the Congolese people. DP World remains committed to delivering a world-class port that empowers the people of the DRC. This project will transform trade, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s economy for generations to come.”
DP World Chair and CEO Ahmed bin Sulayem
The Project is estimated to cost over USD one billion, spread over the four phases. The first phase is expected to cost about USD 250 million. The British International Investment (BII), UK’s #DFI, is contributing USD 35 million for the first phase. The Banana Port Project fits the mission of #BII, which seeks to be an impact investor with transformative potential.
DP World has committed to employing mostly local labor during the construction and also during the operation. Based on the studies, the Port will contribute to support approximately 85,000 jobs, mostly in the agricultural and mining sectors. The Port will use state-of-the-art automation technology to be efficient and competitive.
Construction started in early 2022 with an initial completion date set for 2025. But works were soon suspended, before resuming in late 2024. Now, the first phase is targeted for completion by 2027. Upon operationalization, the Banana Port is expected to reduce trade costs by about 12% and add nearly one percentage point to the #GDP of the DRC. In the second phase, the quay will be extended up to 2,000 meters, with up to a 4-fold increase in throughput.
The Agreement was signed back in 2018, then an amended one was signed again in 2021 following renegotiations. DP World has secured a 30-year concession for the development and management of the port, with a possible extension for another 20 years.
The Government of DRC holds a 30% stake in the Project, while DP World is the majority controlling stakeholder with 70%. As part of its national development plan (#NDP), the DRC also plans to enhance #connectivity between Banana and the capital Kinshasa, and eventually to Katanga and develop the link into the main artery of the Congolese economy.