U.S., U.K., and Congolese Officials Launch Special Economic Zone in Kiswishi

Inauguration of the Kiswishi Special Economic Zone

On June 17, 2025, officials from the United States, United Kingdom, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo gathered in Kiswishi to unveil a landmark project promising significant foreign direct investments. The launch of the Kiswishi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) includes the groundbreaking of a $50 million Pepsi bottling plant and a fuel depot by Congo Petrol, both pivotal to stimulating the local economy.

Key Investments and Developments

The establishment of the SEZ in Kiswishi marks the first private economic enclave in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It aims to attract foreign investments and enhance local business sectors, focusing on job creation and infrastructure development. Located on a sprawling 15-hectare (37-acre) site, the Pepsi bottling plant is spearheaded by Varun Beverages, the largest Pepsi bottler outside of the U.S. This facility is expected to significantly expand PepsiCo's brand presence in the rapidly growing Haut-Katanga province.

Meanwhile, Congo Petrol is set to build a state-of-the-art fuel depot on a 7-hectare (17-acre) plot, boasting a storage capacity of 8,000 cubic meters. This facility will enable the company to meet the rising demand for petroleum products in the region effectively.

Vision and Support from Global Investors

The SEZ is developed by Rendeavour, an innovative city builder driven by investments from U.S., U.K., New Zealand, and Norwegian stakeholders. Rendeavour operates across Africa, with other mixed-use developments successfully launched in countries including Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, collectively contributing to billions in local investment and providing tens of thousands of jobs for young people across the continent.

Lucy Tamlyn, the U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underlined the long-term investment nature of the SEZ, emphasizing the faith and confidence that international partners have in the project's potential.

UK's Ambassador to the DRC, Alyson King, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting it as a prime example of the U.K.'s support for local value creation and sustainable job development in Africa.

Economic Impact and Infrastructure Development

Professor Jean-Marie Kanda, principal advisor to the Congolese president, noted that Rendeavour, along with its foreign investors, is adding significant value to the Congolese economy. The commitment to building high-quality infrastructure—such as electricity, water, roads, and internet access—ensures that the residents of Kiswishi will benefit from these developments.

Preston Mendenhall, Rendeavour's Chief Operating Officer, stated that the project represents a significant milestone for the DRC. Rather than extracting resources from the land, they aim to supplement it with modern infrastructure, fostering a mixed-use, environmentally-friendly city that is inclusive for all Congolese.

Participating Dignitaries and Future Aspirations

Among the attendees were notable dignitaries such as John Muloba, the Haut-Katanga Minister of Industry, and Calvin Bailey, the U.K.'s Trade Envoy for Southern Africa. They participated in discussions about the future development potential of Kiswishi and the overall impact of the SEZ.

The Kiswishi economic zone houses several businesses including Queen Energy, Zindua Investment, SDG Afrique, Congo Mineral Services, and the Congolese Analytical Laboratory. The housing complex, Kimia, is already seeing a high occupancy rate of 98% in its first phase—a clear indication of local interest and confidence.

Conclusion

The Kiswishi Special Economic Zone is set to revitalize the region economically while establishing a blueprint for future urban developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As work begins on key infrastructures and facilities, the anticipation for improved local job markets and economic growth continues to rise. The collaboration between international stakeholders and local government underscores a shared commitment to fostering a thriving economic landscape in Kiswishi.