Kinshasa, September 5, 2025 – The sound of trains rolling again between Kinshasa and Matadi is more than transport. It is the sound of Congo’s revival. Under President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the government has relaunched the historic 365 km railway line linking the capital to the port of Matadi in Kongo-Central province.
After being closed since 2020 due to landslides and damaged tracks, this line is now fully rehabilitated and equipped with seven new, air-conditioned passenger cars. For millions of Congolese, this marks not only the return of rail service but the return of confidence and hope.
🇨🇩 A Project Funded by Congo’s Own Resources
This achievement was made possible through the Redevance Logistique Terrestre (RLT) – a logistics fee created by the government. Unlike other projects that rely heavily on foreign aid or hidden deals, this train is a sovereign investment, funded by Congo itself.
President Tshisekedi, speaking at Kinshasa Central Station, underlined his commitment to reducing transport difficulties in Kinshasa and across the country. This relaunch is part of his wider vision to modernize infrastructure, ease traffic, and unlock national development.
Voices From the Ceremony
Martin Lukusa, Director General of ONATRA
The train is the backbone of Congo’s economy. This relaunch shows that with steady investment, ONATRA can guarantee safe transport, connect people, and boost trade.”
He also called for stronger support to extend the RLT fund beyond two years, maintain the 365 km line, and move forward with studies for a new railway up to the Banana deep-sea port.
Julie Mbuyi Shiku, Minister of Portfolio
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Kinshasa–Matadi Train Returns: Congo’s Rail Comeback
Sep 6, 2025
May 15, 2026
5 min read
Published
Updated:
Kinshasa, September 5, 2025 – The sound of trains rolling again between Kinshasa and Matadi is more than transport. It is the sound of Congo’s revival. Under President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the government has relaunched the historic 365 km railway line linking the capital to the port of Matadi in Kongo-Central province.
After being closed since 2020 due to landslides and damaged tracks, this line is now fully rehabilitated and equipped with seven new, air-conditioned passenger cars. For millions of Congolese, this marks not only the return of rail service but the return of confidence and hope.
🇨🇩 A Project Funded by Congo’s Own Resources
This achievement was made possible through the Redevance Logistique Terrestre (RLT) – a logistics fee created by the government. Unlike other projects that rely heavily on foreign aid or hidden deals, this train is a sovereign investment, funded by Congo itself.
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President Tshisekedi, speaking at Kinshasa Central Station, underlined his commitment to reducing transport difficulties in Kinshasa and across the country. This relaunch is part of his wider vision to modernize infrastructure, ease traffic, and unlock national development.
Voices From the Ceremony
Martin Lukusa, Director General of ONATRA
The train is the backbone of Congo’s economy. This relaunch shows that with steady investment, ONATRA can guarantee safe transport, connect people, and boost trade.”
He also called for stronger support to extend the RLT fund beyond two years, maintain the 365 km line, and move forward with studies for a new railway up to the Banana deep-sea port.
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Julie Mbuyi Shiku, Minister of Portfolio
“This is not only a railway project. It is a structuring project with real impact for national unity, economic growth, and the daily life of our citizens. It is the return of confidence and hope.”
Jean-Pierre Bemba, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Transport
These seven new passenger cars are only the beginning. In the coming months, we will receive five new locomotives and 40 container wagons. We are also preparing the return of urban rail traffic to N’djili International Airport and reopening the Central Station–Kitambo Magasin line.”
What This Means for the People
Cheaper goods: More cargo moved by train means less dependence on expensive trucks.
Less traffic: Decongesting National Road No. 1 between Kinshasa and Matadi.
Jobs created: From engineers to station workers, rail expansion boosts employment.
Safer travel: Passengers enjoy clean, air-conditioned cars for the 8-hour journey.
Urban mobility: A new airport line will connect downtown Kinshasa to N’djili in under 30 minutes.
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DR Congo in Africa’s Rail Renaissance
Congo now joins countries like Morocco (high-speed Al Boraq), Ethiopia (Addis–Djibouti electric railway), Kenya (SGR), and Senegal (TER) in investing in modern trains. This is proof that Africa is rising, connecting its cities, and building its own future.
As President Tshisekedi put it: “Without the railway, Congo is limited. With the railway, Congo opens to opportunity.”
What’s Next
5 new locomotives + 40 container wagons arriving soon.
Urban airport rail service to N’djili to start in the near future.
Reopening of the Kitambo Magasin line in Kinshasa.
Feasibility study for Banana corridor (150 km), creating a full rail chain: Banana–Boma–Matadi–Kinshasa.
This corridor will connect Congo’s Atlantic gateway to its capital, making the country a true regional logistics hub.
A Symbol of National Revival
The relaunch of the Kinshasa-Matadi train is not just about wagons and tracks. It is a symbol of sovereignty, efficiency, and dignity. It shows that Congo can fund, deliver, and operate major infrastructure for its own people.
As the Minister of Portfolio said, “Every new wagon is a step toward a more connected and inclusive Congo.”
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