DRC unveils ten-year urban plan

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has unveiled a ten-year urban planning and housing initiative, aiming to raise up to 16.5 billion dollars to enhance housing, urban services, and infrastructure across multiple cities. The plan, announced on October 14, 2026, by Minister of State for Urban Planning and Housing Alexis Gisaro Muvunyi, includes goals like providing decent housing for 500,000 households and increasing access to drinking water and electricity in urban areas.

Plan targets major and smaller cities

The program focuses on major cities such as Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, and Goma, along with smaller cities like Mbuji-Mayi, Kolwezi, and Matadi. The goal is to improve urban mobility, sanitation, and access to essential services in these areas. The plan also includes creating 62,000 hectares of land reserves and adopting 26 urban development plans by 2035.

Funding sources include private and public partnerships

To finance the program, the government plans to raise 6 billion dollars through public-private partnerships (PPP), 5.6 billion dollars from international donors, and 2 billion dollars from the public treasury. Of the public funding, 1.36 billion dollars will come from urban taxes. The ministry also uses Carousel Finance to help structure the program's finances.

Housing funding includes new bank and self-construction mechanisms

A separate funding approach focuses on housing, relying on supervised self-construction, bank credit lines, and parafiscal resources related to construction materials. The future Housing Bank, created by transforming the National Housing Fund (FONHAB), will help mobilize savings, guarantee loans, and support housing credit.

Funds will cover infrastructure, housing, and resilience

The 16.5 billion dollars will be allocated across several categories, including 6.4 billion dollars for Kinshasa’s urban transport and sanitation projects. Four billion dollars will go to secondary cities and economic corridors, while 3 billion dollars targets large agglomerations. Additional funds will address housing, urban resilience, and governance, with 6.9 million dollars dedicated to planning and monitoring.

Studies to attract investors and define projects

The government plans preliminary studies to attract investors and present technically defined, financially viable projects. These studies will identify priority infrastructure, assess housing needs, and determine financing structures. The October 14 consultation included companies and firms specializing in urban planning, engineering, and legal consulting to help prepare and structure projects.

Coordination challenges and funding clarity needed

The plan’s implementation faces coordination challenges, as some sectors and infrastructure are already covered by existing public programs in the DRC. It remains unclear whether the 16.5 billion dollars represent new funding or include existing investments. Clarifying these details and confirming partner commitments will be crucial for the plan’s success by 2035.