Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is set to witness the grand reopening of its iconic Zando marketplace in February, following a transformative five-year overhaul. The once-overcrowded and unsanitary hub is now poised to welcome over a million shoppers daily, with a sleek, sustainable design that pays homage to its rich cultural heritage.
Dieudonné Bakarani, a 57-year-old entrepreneur who got his start selling vegetables at the original Zando market decades ago, has spearheaded the ambitious redevelopment project. The new market, spanning 92,000 square metres, will house 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, 40 cold rooms, 272 toilets, and 22 banking units, along with two food courts, a fire station, CCTV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and advertising screens.
“We have kept the concept of the old one but have enlarged it, and it is more functional,” Bakarani explains. “It was a nightmare working there during the day – extremely hot, with only nine toilets for the whole market. Now, the new design feels like it has air conditioning, with perforated brick facades ensuring ventilation and shade.”
The market’s transformation has been recognised internationally, with the Paris-based architectural firm Think Tank Architecture Paysage Urbanisme winning a prestigious Holcim Foundation award for sustainable design. The building, constructed with concrete and locally produced terracotta bricks, showcases regional craftsmanship and supports the local economy.
“So many solutions we get are always Western imports because our education tells us this is the only way things can be done,” says Tosin Oshinowo, a Nigerian architect and Holcim Foundation award judge. “But this design has recreated a traditional African market, and the way of life that goes with it, while modernising it.”
The project, a public-private partnership between the city authorities and Bakarani’s company, Sogema, has faced its share of challenges, including allegations of corruption and criticism from those who feared the design would be too Western-influenced. However, Bakarani remains steadfast in his vision, stating, “I hope we can attract international partners to come and see that in DRC, regardless of the situation in the east, there are opportunities that can be explored.”
As the Zando market prepares to reopen its doors, it stands as a testament to the power of sustainable, culturally-sensitive development. This landmark project not only promises to revitalise the local economy and improve the lives of vendors and shoppers but also serves as a model for similar initiatives across the African continent.
