The Kolwezi Bypass Toll Road project addresses critical traffic congestion in Kolwezi, the capital of Lualaba Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As a major hub for copper and cobalt mining, Kolwezi sees approximately 220,000 freight trucks pass through its city center annually, causing significant disruption to residents and businesses.

To alleviate this, the Lualaba Government initiated the construction of a new 26 km Kolwezi Bypass Toll Road under a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model. The project is managed by Société de Péage du Lualaba (SOPEL), a special-purpose company operating under a 25-year concession agreement with the province. Groupe Forrest, SOPEL's private partner, was chosen to finance, construct, and maintain the bypass road, ensuring its long-term functionality.

Phase I of the project required an investment of approximately USD 45 million, covered through toll fees paid by mining and transport companies. With Phase II scheduled for completion by March 2022, Bayswater Capital Partners and AIL Structured Finance were engaged to arrange a Senior Debt Facility of up to USD 27 million.

This initiative not only relieves urban congestion but also supports Kolwezi's economic growth, improving the efficiency of its vital mining sector and ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.