GED Africa Ltd (GED Africa) is delivering an ambitious infrastructure project that will upgrade existing road networks and add 180 km of new roads to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Zambia. Central to the project is a 362 m steel suspension bridge spanning the Luapula River, alongside one-stop border posts (OSBP) aimed at drastically cutting border crossing times. The three-span, cable-stayed bridge – set to become a regional landmark – features a steel deck and striking 50 m-high A-shaped pylons.

Fully funded by Hungarian parent company Duna Aszfalt Zrt, the project is valued at estimated $600-million, with returns expected to be generated through toll fees along the corridor. The project comprises two separate 25-year private-public partnerships between the subsidiaries of GED Africa and the governments of the DRC and Zambia, including 3 years of construction and 22 years of operation and maintenance.

GED Africa CEO Klaus Findt says completion of the project is set for the third quarter of 2027. He added that the project is the largest infrastructure investment by a single European company into Africa. He noted that previous projects focused on revamping existing corridors, while this project is a completely new corridor reducing a round trip from Dar es Salaam to Haut Katanga by 500m.

“We are investing significant effort into the OSBP, where we will also take responsibility for traffic and facility management. We will equip governments with IT infrastructure and an operational environment that will ensure efficient performance,” said Findt.

He explains that all OSBP procedures will be carried out on a single side of the border and conducted jointly by both Zambian and Congolese customs and security personnel. The unified system and integrated approach is expected to eliminate duplication and significantly improve processing efficiency.

“We aim to maintain a continuous flow of trucks. Every vehicle is scanned while in motion upon entering the border post, removing the need for stopping,” he adds.

The completed OSBP structure will be 32 000 m2 under roof, making it one of the largest border posts in Southern Africa.

Another innovation is the use of building information modelling (BIM) and drone technology to track progress, capture detailed project data, and maintain quality throughout construction.
“BIM is typically associated with buildings, but here we are applying it to a linear infrastructure project, enabling us to detect changes in development of as little as 2 mm to 3 mm,” said Findt.

He explains that this level of precision allows early identification of potential issues and ensures improved design coordination and reduced costs. The technology enables remote monitoring to verify that completed work meets specifications and facilitates faster, more informed decisions on site.

According to Findt, overseeing a single project across two sovereign countries – each with its own regulatory environment, legislative demands, and unique cultural and linguistic landscape – has presented notable challenges. These have been overcome through ongoing, inclusive engagement with key stakeholders, with strong backing from both governments and local communities.

He says the construction of the road is of immense significance to the region. Not only will it reduce the distance and time required to transport globally important materials such as copper and cobalt, but will also deliver a lasting social impact, supporting sustainable economic upliftment at a national and regional level.