DRC plans development bank to finance infrastructure

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) plans to establish a development bank specifically dedicated to financing infrastructure projects. Presented by Infrastructure and Public Works Minister John Banza during a Cabinet meeting on September 11, 2026, the initiative aims to transform national infrastructure priorities into bankable investment opportunities.

The proposed institution will focus on the technical, legal, and financial structuring of projects to attract long-term public and private capital. By improving project preparation, the bank seeks to overcome a common barrier in Africa where a lack of structured projects hinders the mobilization of private investment.

The move addresses critical infrastructure deficits in the DRC. Currently, only approximately 2% of the country’s 152,000 km road network is paved. Furthermore, electricity access stands at roughly 21%, and about 34% to 35% of households have access to basic drinking water services. The DRC has set ambitious goals to increase electricity access to 62% by 2030.