President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched the construction of a modern city to extend Kinshasa eastward, during a ceremony at Cité de Menkao in the Maluku commune.

“This historic day, marked by the laying of the foundation stone for the city’s expansion—including an industrial city and hospital complex—goes far beyond a symbolic start of construction,” said Alexis Gisaro, Minister of Urban Planning and Housing.

He added that the project is a major political act, a strategic decision, and a break from decades of uncontrolled urban growth.

“The stone laid today is the foundation of a better-organized, better-connected, and more productive Kinshasa. The era of urban improvisation is over,” Gisaro said.

The new city aims to manage Kinshasa’s rapid growth, as its population surpasses 16 million and is projected to become Africa’s largest city by 2030.

The minister explained that the ‘Kinshasa-Kia Mona’ project reflects the government’s strategy to use urban planning as a driver for economic growth. “This expansion will transform Kinshasa into a network of industrial and economic hubs connected to regional corridors, moving away from a single-center city,” he said.

Construction will begin with the Maluku Industrial City, the project’s first phase. Spanning 75 km² within a planned 430 km² city, it will host production units, processing workshops, logistics warehouses, and energy and road infrastructure.

“Industry comes first to support sustainable urban development, generating resources for residential areas, schools, hospitals, markets, and green spaces,” Gisaro added.

Governor Daniel Bumba emphasized that the expansion addresses more than infrastructure—it tackles traffic congestion, urban saturation, disorder, and youth employment.

“It reflects our shared vision for a balanced, forward-looking capital,” he said, urging strict adherence to deadlines, quality, and safety standards.

Thierry Katembwe, senior coordinator of the Strategic Committee for the Supervision of the Kinshasa City Extension Project (CSSPEVK), said the industrial city will create 225,000 jobs over the next decade, with 30,000 in the first year.

The 160 factories are expected to be completed by 2026, alongside 1,000 hectares of logistics facilities, a marina, agro-pastoral areas, and a green belt.

“Kinshasa-Kia Mona will be a resilient, smart, green, and modern city, laying the foundation for sustainable urban and economic development for generations to come,” Katembwe concluded.