Construction of a key bridge project in Burundi will provide a key economic lifeline for the country. The new Kaburantwa bridge links Burundi with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), spanning the Kaburantwa River. The project is being carried out by the Chinese contractor, China First Highway Engineering Co (CFHEC). This project highlights both the importance of Chinese engineering expertise into Central Africa and the growing significance of Chinese investment to the region.
A resolution is now being provided to landowners in the area, with the Burundi Government providing compensation to those losing land to the project. The bridge is being connected to the existing RN 5 route by a new 3km road section.
The new bridge is downstream from the new 20MW Kabu 16 hydroelectric powerplant, which began operating in the third quarter of 2024. The $106 million powerplant was built by an Indian firm, Angelique International Limited, and paid for through international financing packages, including a loan of $76 million from the Exim Bank in India.
Transport links are key to Burundi’s economy as the small, landlocked nation is sandwiched between the much larger DR Congo and Tanzania, as well as the equally small Rwanda. The new bridge will help boost the economy of Rwanda, improving transport links with the capital, Bujumbara.
