Zando Marketplace Reopens in Kinshasa 2026: A Model of Sustainable Urban Renewal and Economic Growth in Africa

Zando’s Renaissance: How Kinshasa’s Historic Marketplace Signals a New Era in African Urban Renewal

The heartbeat of Kinshasa has always pulsed through its marketplaces, none more iconic than Zando. When its gates reopen in February 2026, the Zando marketplace will stand not only as a testament to the city’s commercial resilience but as a harbinger of a new model for urban transformation across Africa. This is not simply a story of refurbishment; it is a narrative of ambition, cultural negotiation, and the strategic convergence of sustainability and modernity.

From Chaotic Past to Sustainable Future

First inaugurated in 1944, Zando’s original incarnation was emblematic of the city’s bustling, if unruly, street economy. For generations, its labyrinthine alleys—crowded, unsanitary, and vibrant—were both a lifeblood and a challenge for Kinshasa. The market’s current overhaul, championed by local visionary Dieudonné Bakarani and realized through a public-private partnership with Sogema, China’s SZTC, and France’s Egis, is radically redefining what an African marketplace can be.

Central to Zando’s rebirth is an uncompromising commitment to sustainability and urban amenity. The project’s recognition by the Holcim Foundation for sustainable design is not merely a badge of honor but a signal of intent. High-speed Wi-Fi, food courts, and state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting systems anchor the market as a 21st-century public space—one that respects both environmental stewardship and the evolving needs of Kinshasa’s citizens. This isn’t just modernization for its own sake; it’s a deliberate fusion of traditional community values and global standards, positioning Kinshasa as a city ready to compete on the world stage.

Infrastructure as Dignity and Economic Catalyst

Perhaps the most profound transformation lies in the market’s new infrastructure. The notorious shortage of basic amenities—most glaringly, the ratio of toilets to daily visitors—has been decisively addressed. The reimagined Zando will offer 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, and 272 toilets, a quantum leap in both scale and dignity. This is more than a logistical upgrade: it is a statement that public health and everyday commercial life deserve respect and investment.

Such infrastructural renewal is not lost on international investors. For too long, perceptions of African markets have been colored by images of chaos and informality. Zando’s transformation is a visible, tangible signal that large-scale, sustainable modernization is possible—and profitable. The ripple effects could be far-reaching, stimulating economic activity not only within Kinshasa but throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Global Partnerships, Local Identity

The collaborative nature of Zando’s redevelopment—spanning Congolese leadership, Chinese construction, and French engineering—reflects the increasingly globalized architecture of urban development. These cross-border alliances bring capital and expertise, but also complexity. Corruption allegations and anxieties over cultural dilution are ever-present reminders that progress is rarely linear. For Kinshasa, and for Africa more broadly, the challenge is to harness global best practices without sacrificing the unique textures of local culture.

This balancing act is critical. The risk of cultural homogenization is real, especially as African cities become magnets for international investment. Yet, as Bakarani has insisted, “it’s our duty to build it”—a declaration that underscores the imperative for self-determination. The new Zando is as much about communal agency as it is about economic modernization.

Urban Renewal as Peacebuilding

Zando’s renaissance arrives at a time when the DRC’s eastern regions remain marred by instability. In this context, the marketplace’s revitalization is freighted with symbolism. It demonstrates how thoughtfully designed public infrastructure can anchor social cohesion and foster hope, even amidst uncertainty. Urban renewal, when rooted in both functionality and cultural resonance, becomes a force for peace and stability.

As the new Zando prepares to open its doors, it stands as a blueprint for African cities seeking to reconcile heritage with innovation. The marketplace’s metamorphosis is a clarion call: that sustainable, inclusive urban regeneration is not only possible, but essential for Africa’s next chapter.