Industrial Development in the DRC
Key Industries in CIP
Invest in Kin-Malebo SEZ
The most competitive integrated industrial platform of the DRC.
Kin-Malebo SEZ is principally targeting the following industries:
Timber processing
This includes sawn wood, moldings, decking, furniture, plywood, veneer etc. The DRC is home to the largest harvestable forest cover in Africa, over 60% of Africa’s tropical forest falls within the country. It hosts over 950 species of trees of which 91 are commercially traded.
- Main species:
Afrormosia (African Teak), Wenge, Acajou, Sipo, Sapelli, Tali, and Padouk. - Sub-sectors targeted:
Sawn wood (over 50%), decking, furniture, plywood, veneers. - Raw material availability assured:
5 million ha of forest allocated for the SEZ.
DRC is the 5th exporter of roundwood in Africa (ITTO, 2021). - Integrated logistics services to be provided
from forest → SEZ → Port/Market
Pharmaceuticals
The DRC is the largest importer of API and medicine products in Central Africa. Antibiotic, antimalarial drugs, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, analgesic, dietary supplements, and vitamins account for the top sales in DRC.
- Sub-sectors targeted:
API and medicines (anti-malarial, anti-insulin, vitamins, etc). - Imported value:
In 2021, Democratic Republic of the Congo imported over $254M in Packaged Medicaments (OEC) - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ ↔ Market.
Construction materials
Despite a steady growth in the construction sector, and direct access to a large market, the DRC still highly depends on imports for construction materials supply.
- Sub-sectors targeted:
Tiles and ceramics, paints, glass, etc. - Raw material availability:
White clay, sand, feldspar, limestone . - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ ↔ Market.
Waste recycling
The capital city of Kinshasa, which has an estimated population of 20 million, generates significant amounts of recyclable waste, presenting a currently unexplored opportunity for sustainable investment.
- Sectors targeted:
Plastic recycling, metal scrap recycling - Raw material availability:
Direct sourcing of raw material within a 40km range - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ → Market
White goods
With an increasing population, and improving economic growth, the DRC has been experiencing an increase in the demand for white goods.
- Sectors targeted:
TVs, ACs, fridges, microwaves. - Increasing demand:
With a population growth rate at 3.2 % (UN,2023) , the average household is expected to have increased number of electronic appliances. - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ → Market.
FMCG
One of Africa’s fastest growing megacities, Kinshasa offers a reliable market access for affordable FMCGs, with high consumer demands.
- Sub-sectors targeted
Beverages, cosmetics, toiletries, packaged foods, household cleaners - Unique Advantage
Direct market access to 20 million inhabitants within a 40km range - Imported value :
Over $200M of Beverages, spirits, and vinegar imported (ITC,2022) - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ ↔ Market.
Textile
CIP provides ready plug & play infrastructure facilities for setting up integrated garmenting units. With DRC mainly relying on imports for clothing, CIP offers first-mover advantages to textile operators.
- Sub-sectors targeted:
Garment manufacturing - Unique Advantage:
Logistics services to import raw materials into the country - Direct market access
to 20 million inhabitants within a 40km range - Integrated logistics services will be provided
from Port ↔ SEZ ↔ Market.
