Kiswishi City Embarks on Major Foreign Investment with Special Economic Zone Launch

Major Investment Initiative at Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone in the DRC

On June 16, 2025, a new chapter began for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as officials from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the DRC came together to inaugurate the Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This landmark project marks a significant step in enhancing foreign direct investments in the DRC, featuring substantial contributions from global brands like PepsiCo and Congo Petrol.

Inauguration Ceremony Highlights

The event saw key dignitaries, including American and British ambassadors, break ground on a USD 50 million Pepsi bottling plant and a state-of-the-art fuel depot by Congo Petrol. These developments, located within the SEZ, are expected to drive regional economic growth by creating thousands of new jobs while expanding the visibility of PepsiCo's products in the Haut-Katanga Province.

The SEZ is notable as the first private zone of its kind in the DRC, designed to foster both industrial growth and improved government services. A One-Stop Shop for investors will streamline administrative processes and facilitate a smoother experience for foreign businesses looking to engage in the DRC.

Investment Impacts

Developed on 15 hectares of land by India's Varun Beverages, which is PepsiCo's largest bottler outside the U.S., the bottling facility aims to cater to the rising demand for soft drinks in the region. Alongside the PepsiCo plant, Congo Petrol plans to develop a significant 8,000 cubic metre storage facility occupying an additional seven hectares. This facility will bolster the distribution of petroleum products to meet the growing need for such resources in the area.

Kiswishi City SEZ has attracted diverse investments from backers in the U.S., UK, New Zealand, and Norway. This ambitious venture operates under Rendeavour, a development company known for creating sustainable cities throughout Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Their approach focuses on building infrastructure that enhances quality of life rather than merely extracting resources from the environment.

Positive Reception from Officials

U.S. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn expressed gratitude towards investors who are committed to long-term development, highlighting the SEZ as a platform for enhanced economic collaboration. Similarly, Alyson King, the UK Ambassador to DRC, noted that the initiative aligns with the UK's broader strategy for partnerships in Africa, emphasizing job creation and local value addition.

In a statement, Prof. Jean-Marie Kanda, Senior Advisor to the DRC President, commended Rendeavour's contribution to the country’s economic transformation. He emphasized that partnerships with international investors bring critical infrastructure improvements that are essential for sustainable development in the DRC.

The Path Ahead

Preston Mendenhall, Group COO of Rendeavour, shared insights on the company’s vision for the SEZ. Rather than merely extracting resources, he believes in creating a vibrant community focused on sustainability, equipped with essential utilities such as power, water, and internet.

As Kiswishi City SEZ comes to life, the regional economy looks poised for a robust transformation. Businesses including Queen Energy and Congo Mineral Services have already established a presence in the area. The residential estate, Kimia, has seen incredible interest, with 98% of its initial phase already sold out, underlining the demand for residential space spurred by economic growth.

With this promising foundation laid down at Kiswishi, the SEZ is expected to contribute significantly to job creation and economic development in the DRC, ensuring long-term benefits for local communities while positioning the region as a hub for investment in Africa.