Revitalizing Kinshasa's Zando Market: A Sustainable Transformation

Dieudonné Bakarani, a 57-year-old entrepreneur, is spearheading the redevelopment of Zando Market in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Originally opened in January 1944, the market was closed in January 2021 due to safety and sanitation issues, impacting approximately 20,000 vendors. After a five-year hiatus, the new market is set to reopen in February 2026, featuring modern amenities while retaining its cultural essence.

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The redesign of Zando Market, executed by the Paris-based firm Think Tank Architecture Paysage Urbanisme, emphasizes sustainability and local craftsmanship. The new structure spans 92,000 square meters and will accommodate 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, and 272 toilets. It incorporates features such as rainwater harvesting, landscaped courtyards, and improved ventilation through perforated brick facades. Marine de la Guerrande, part of the design team, stated, “We really wanted to keep the quality and characteristics of the African market,” highlighting the use of locally produced terracotta bricks.

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Markets like Zando are integral to the DRC's economy and culture. Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo noted that traditional markets are vital for affordability and social interaction, stating, “Most people in Africa today will still go to the market because it’s cheaper but it’s also interwoven into culture.” The project is financed through a public-private partnership, with a total cost of approximately £56 million, supported by a loan from SofiBanque.

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Despite the positive outlook, Bakarani has faced accusations of corruption related to the project. A report from the Public Expenditure Observatory (Odep) and the Congolese League Against Corruption (Licoco) highlighted inconsistencies in the operating contract, attributing them to public authority incompetence and a culture of corruption. Bakarani has denied these allegations, asserting that the infrastructure is built to high standards and aims to change the DRC's image internationally.

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The operating contract grants Bakarani's company, Sogema, control of the market for 25 years, after which it will revert to government management. Bakarani envisions the new Zando Market as a model for similar projects across Africa, emphasizing the potential for economic growth despite ongoing challenges in the region. He remarked, “People are still dreaming here and as entrepreneurs, we are driven. It’s our duty to build it.”

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• “I started out getting vegetables from Goma and selling them in this market. I never expected to be the one rebuilding it decades later,” — Dieudonné Bakarani, Entrepreneur

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• “So many solutions we get on the continent are always western imports because our education also tells us that this is the only way things can be done,” — Tosin Oshinowo, Architect

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The redevelopment of Zando Market represents a significant step towards revitalizing Kinshasa's economy and preserving its cultural heritage, while also addressing modern needs for safety and sustainability.

The Guardian