The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), together with Alstom, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the MetroKin rail project in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The collaboration expands on AFC's earlier deal with Trans Connexion Congo (TCC) to create a mass transit network spanning more than 300 km of railway in Kinshasa. The project will be completed in four stages. The first would involve a comprehensive renovation of the current railway system across a 25-km stretch from Kinshasa's central station to N'Djili International Airport. AFC has agreed to contribute US$3 million as an initial investment to progress the project development phase, ultimately resulting in a financial close. AFC is leading this groundbreaking urban initiative in its capacity as the Mandated Lead Arranger.

By modernizing and expanding the current rail network, this project hopes to improve connectivity, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and drastically shorten travel times between the city center and the suburbs. AFC, Metrokin, and Alstom are set to ensure the successful completion of the development phase by the end of 2024.