History & concession
2022–2027: five years to transform the Matadi terminal.
The story of MCTC is that of a public-private partnership giving the Port of Matadi the means to match its ambitions.
For more than a century, the Port of Matadi has been the principal maritime gateway of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To keep pace with growing container traffic bound for Kinshasa, the Congolese State and ONATRA chose to join forces with first-rank private operators. MCTC is the outcome of that choice: a dedicated company, holding a long-term concession and an investment programme worth over €100 million.
A story of growth and innovation
Matadi Corridor Terminaux à Conteneurs (MCTC) was created under a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a group of private investors, with the aim of modernising, developing and operating the container terminal of the Port of Matadi, the country’s leading seaport.
This initiative is part of the strategic vision of the Congolese Government, which has launched an ambitious programme to develop and modernise national infrastructure, with the goal of increasing the number of shipping lines serving the DRC and improving the quality of logistics services.
Within this framework, a technical and economic cooperation agreement was signed on 10 February 2022 between the DRC and the State of Qatar, to promote investment in infrastructure. Following this agreement, the MSC – SIG consortium was selected to deliver the modernisation project for the Matadi container terminal. [TO BE CONFIRMED]
The concession contract concluded between the parties has an initial term of 20 years from its entry into force, with the possibility of an extension for a further period not exceeding 10 years.
The concession at a glance
- Scope
- Quays 5, 6 and 7 of the Port of Matadi, Kongo Central, DRC
- Term
- 20 years, renewable for 10
- Model
- Public-private partnership: the MSC/TIL group, SIG, ONATRA and the Congolese State [TO BE CONFIRMED for the percentages]
- Company
- MCTC SA — RCCM: CD/KNG/RCCM/22-B-02341, incorporated on 30 August 2022
- Investment commitment
- Over €100 million (2025–2027 modernisation)
Key milestones
2022
Founding agreements for port and rail modernisation
Signature of the Memorandum of Understanding on the development, equipping and operation of container terminals at the ports of Matadi, Boma and Kinshasa, together with the use of the railway line linking Matadi to Kinshasa. Signature of the Concession Contract for the development, equipping and operation of a container terminal in the Port of Matadi.
30 August 2022
MCTC incorporated
Incorporation of the company (RCCM: CD/KNG/RCCM/22-B-02341) under the partnership between the MSC/TIL group, SIG, ONATRA and the Congolese State.
2024
Concession and labour agreements signed
MCTC takes over the strategic management of a section of the Matadi container terminal. As part of this takeover, former ONATRA staff are integrated, ensuring a smooth social transition and the continuity of operations, and MCTC operations begin.
November 2024
Operations begin
MCTC takes over terminal operations and integrates around one hundred former ONATRA staff, safeguarding the continuity of port know-how.
December 2024
Equipment delivered
Arrival of the first new fleet: 2 mobile harbour cranes, 4 reach stackers, 12 terminal tractors, a weighbridge and yard equipment [TO BE CONFIRMED].
January 2025
Modernisation contract awarded to Eiffage
The French group Eiffage Génie Civil Marine is selected to deliver a contract worth around €100 million covering the firm investments, including:
- Extension of the quay over 200 to 350 linear metres on piles
- Removal of the old deck and renovation of the existing deck, retaining the current piles
- Installation of quay equipment (fenders, bollards, ladders)
- Dredging alongside the future quay to guarantee an optimal draught
- Construction of an access bridge through the existing quay
- Construction of two mooring dolphins and two access walkways
- Development of the yard areas: a new electrical network, a drainage and sewerage system, a new pavement structure, and a fire protection system compliant with international standards
2025–2027
Modernisation and extension phase
This phase aims to:
- Completely redevelop the quays
- Digitalise port operations
- Acquire latest-generation handling equipment
The objective is to double the terminal’s capacity, reduce processing times and position Matadi as a competitive regional logistics hub.
September 2025
CFMK reopens
The Matadi–Kinshasa railway returns to service: the terminal’s future rail connection takes on its full meaning.
2026
Works ramp up
Completion of the first phase of the new quay (249 m) [TO BE CONFIRMED for intermediate milestones].
By 2027
Modernised terminal
350 m of new quay in service, capacity doubled to 400,000 TEU per year, and more than 700 jobs created since the project began.
Training and social integration
MCTC invests in developing local skills through continuous training programmes for integrated staff and new recruits. The objective is to guarantee a high level of professionalism and compliance with international standards of safety, efficiency and quality of service.
The next chapter is being written now.
Follow the progress of the works and the project’s milestones in our news.