On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi officially launched the construction of the boulevard Dr. Étienne Tshisekedi wa Mulumba in Kinshasa, according to reports from Actualite.cd. Named in honor of the former Prime Minister, UDPS president, and father of the current head of state, the urban infrastructure project is designed to tackle traffic congestion and transform mobility across the Congolese capital.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew top government officials, including the presidents of both chambers of Parliament, alongside judicial authorities and members of the executive branch. Backed by the provincial government, the new roadway represents a structural investment intended to link the city center to several communes while honoring a figure in the nation’s democratic history.
Spanning 2,020 meters, the newly initiated boulevard will extend the existing boulevard Triomphal to the place Bakayau in the Bandalungwa commune, routing through the Camp Kokolo. According to Congo Quotidien, city leaders view this strategic corridor as a means to relieve gridlock across saturated routes in the Funa district and the wider metropolitan area.
Engineering Specifications and Modern Urban Design
The technical parameters laid out by Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki outline a multi-lane thoroughfare built to international standards. The boulevard will feature eight traffic lanes—split evenly with four lanes in each direction—to increase vehicle capacity and streamline transport.
To support the expansion, engineering plans call for a frame bridge built over the Basoko River, a stormwater drainage canal of more than a kilometer, parking areas, and an access route leading toward the Ministry of Defense. Governor Bumba noted that the project also integrates modern public lighting, paved pedestrian sidewalks, complete road signaling, and landscaped central medians designed to elevate the urban landscape.
Collaboration with the military has been noted for the route’s progression. Governor Bumba formally expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for their cooperation regarding construction zones passing through Camp Kokolo.
Economic Impact and Twelve-Month Timeline
Beyond its function as a transportation artery, provincial authorities emphasize that the roadway serves as a catalyst for local economic development. By improving access to multiple neighborhoods, the project aims to facilitate the smoother movement of people, goods, and services throughout Kinshasa.
Construction responsibilities have been awarded to China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation (CR20), a subsidiary of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). Guo Zhuwei, general manager for CR20, confirmed that the firm is bound by a twelve-month delivery window, with full public service slated to begin next year. Guo added that the project will prioritize local employment and professional training opportunities, partnering with municipal authorities and neighboring communities to maximize social benefits.
As work gets underway, the provincial government has pledged rigorous oversight of technical specifications, quality standards, and scheduling to ensure the corridor meets expectations. Stakeholders can look to the Kinshasa provincial government for upcoming progress reports and traffic advisory updates as the twelve-month construction schedule advances.
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