Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
The Congo Basin is an immense territory which covers around 3.7 million km2 (6.6% of the area of the African continent). This Basin has a very dense hydrographic network, with navigable waterways estimated at more than 25,000 km in their natural state, of which at least 15,000 km are classified. Due to its geostrategic position, the waterway network, through its terminals, constitutes a real multimodal transport platform and continental service, which represents a great opportunity for the promotion of the regional economy.
Objectives
Contribute to the facilitation of trade on the inland waterways of the Congo Basin and the Ogooué River. Facilitate integration of the Central African sub-region. Improve integrated management and the sustainable use of water resources.
Strategic Importance
Strategic project to enhance regional connectivity and trade through better utilization of inland waterways, while promoting sustainable water resource management.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Integrated water resource management and inland waterway navigation improvements.
Capacity & Size
Enhancement of navigation on approximately 15,000 km of classified waterways
Technical Details
The project will enhance navigation on the Congo Basin's extensive inland waterway network, with focus on key navigable routes.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Needs assessment to be completed by 2024, with project definition by 2025.
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-03: GEF-backed regional initiative announced to strengthen extreme-weather cooperation in the Ubangi (Congo Basin) — complements CICOS work on navigation security and hydromet services. — https://iucn.org/press-release/202506/gef-backs-us87m-initiative-unite-african-nations-against-extreme-weather
2025-05-15: INBO/CICOS report progress on diagnostics and EU-funded actions to facilitate and secure navigation in the Congo Basin (training centre, rules manual, master plan). — https://www.inbo-news.org/waterway-navigation-in-the-congo-basin/
2025-05-29: UNEP/UNCDF/CAFI launch $15m Pro-Congo facility to catalyse nature-positive, climate-resilient investments in the Congo Basin—relevant co-benefits for inland waterways & water resources. — https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/new-15-million-initiative-launched-catalyse-sustainable-investment
Financing Structure
The project is expected to be financed through a combination of public funding and support from development partners.
Capital Structure
90% grant funding, 10% national contributions
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2024
Expected Completion
December 2030
Development Timeline
Needs assessment to be completed by 2024, with project definition by 2025.
Project Status History
Status 2020
Initial Assessment
Status 2022
Initial Assessment
Status 2024
Project Definition
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 2.50M
Construction Timeline
Implementation expected to be phased over 5-6 years after project definition.
Legal & Financial Advisors
To be appointed
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Significant potential for increased trade and transport through improved inland waterway navigation.
Market Demand
Growing demand for cost-effective transport options in the region, particularly for bulk goods.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS)
Key Parties
International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS)
Investors
Governments of participating countries, regional development banks, international donors
Contractors & Operators
To be determined
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Coordination challenges among multiple countries, securing sustainable financing, technical implementation risks.
Regulatory Risks
Regulatory frameworks for inland waterway navigation may require strengthening and harmonization.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Focus on sustainable water resource management to minimize environmental impacts.
Social Impact
Enhanced regional trade, improved transport options, potential for economic development along waterways.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Speaking of civil society (NGOs, Universities, Research Institutes, etc.), which has enormous needs for technical data and information, it will be able, through the results of this Project, to access information on IWRM (heights of water, flows, etc.), on the environment (ESIA, procedures manual), and on river transport (statistics), to enable them to better accomplish their missions.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete needs assessment, develop detailed project definition, secure initial financing
Offtake Agreements
Not applicable
Contact Information
International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS)
