Project Brief
Kalundu Port Infrastructure Upgrade
Implementation Partners
Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, TradeMark Africa, SNCC, Sud-Kivu Provincial Government, local authorities, private sector operators, and cross-border trade associations
Implementation Period
2018 - 2024
Project Participants
Importers, exporters, port workers, small-scale traders, transporters, and logistics service providers operating along Lake Tanganyika and the Great Lakes Region.
Project Value
USD 3.4 million
Project Rationale
Kalundu Port, located in Uvira, South Kivu Province, is one of the DRC’s most important inland waterway ports and a vital gateway for trade through Lake Tanganyika carrying approximately 40 000 metric tonned of cargo annually. It is the main entry point for goods into the Kivu region and an important link between eastern DRC and regional markets, particularly Burundi, Tanzania and Zambia. From the outset, one of the port’s major constraints was sedimentation at the entrance. The build-up of a sandbank made access increasingly difficult and created a high risk of vessels grounding, particularly larger ships. This reduced the port’s ability to handle traffic efficiently and undermined its role as a reliable trade corridor. At the same time, the port also suffered from shallow berths, inadequate administration and cargo clearance facilities, ageing infrastructure, and poor cargo-handling systems. Together, these challenges limited the size of vessels that could dock, increased congestion and delays, and raised the cost of operations, with significant effects on small-scale traders and communities in eastern DRC that depend on the port for access to markets.
Implementation Strategy
The modernisation of Kalundu Port was executed through a multi-dimensional strategy that integrates physical infrastructure upgrades, operational security, and socio-economic inclusivity. Three pillars were supported:
Pillar 1: Infrastructure Modernisation and Capacity Expansion To eliminate physical bottlenecks and accommodate larger commercial drafts, dredging of the port basin was done to increase depth, allowing the handling capacity to scale from 800 to 4,000 tonnes. Construction of two new warehouses and the refurbishment of existing storage to maximize cargo throughput was completed. Paving of cargo-handling areas and the installation of advanced drainage systems to ensure all-weather operational continuity and streamlined loading/unloading.
Pillar 2: Facility Upgrades and Operational Security To modernise administration and safeguard assets, the project implemented a comprehensive site-management plan, including: Construction of a modern administrative complex, including a dispensary and public sanitation facilities, to accelerate customs clearance and improve the working environment; Deployment of a high-security perimeter featuring fencing, enhanced lighting, CCTV surveillance, and controlled access points; Installation of a dedicated water tower to provide reliable services for both port operations and personnel.
Pillar 3: Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Recognising the port’s role as a community lifeline, the implementation strategy extended beyond physical works to ensure equitable access. This included active engagement with local stakeholders to promote the safe participation of women traders, ensuring the infrastructure serves the most vulnerable economic actors. And in support of regional integration, aligning operational standards with EAC and SADC protocols to facilitate seamless cross-border trade with Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Aimé Nzoyihera– County Director, DRC
Email : aime.nzoyihera@trademarkafrica.com