Africa’s second-largest nation borders nine countries in strategic position

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th-largest in the world by land area. Located in Central Africa, it shares borders with nine countries, making it one of the most connected nations on the continent.

The DRC borders Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. This geographical position places it at the centre of regional trade and movement within Africa.

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The country has an extensive river network, with the Congo River serving as the main transportation route. The river and its tributaries create a system of 9,300 miles of navigable inland waterways. These waterways support trade and connectivity within the country, linking various regions that rely on river transport for the movement of goods and people.

Matadi, located near the mouth of the Congo River, serves as the main port for maritime shipping. The river transport network includes major routes such as Banana to Matadi, Kinshasa to Kisangani, Kongolo to Bukama, and Obundu to Kindu. These routes operate year-round, ensuring continued access to key regions.

The DRC’s railway system plays a critical role in connecting different parts of the country. The Boma-Tshela railway supports agriculture in the Mayumbe region. Other rail lines link the Uele region with the Itimbiri River and Lake Tanganyika with the Lualaba River.

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The only railway route entirely within the DRC runs from Katanga to Ilebo, then connects by boat on the Kasai and Congo rivers to Kinshasa, and continues by rail to Matadi. The country also has international transport routes. These include a rail and lake transport link across Lake Tanganyika through Tanzania to the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam. Other routes pass through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to Beira, and through Angola to the Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito.

With its strategic location and extensive transport infrastructure, the DRC plays a significant role in regional trade and movement. The country’s waterways, railways, and road networks are essential for economic activities, providing connectivity within its borders and beyond.