National Road 1 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

National Road 1 (RN1) is a major highway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is one of the most important road arteries in the country, connecting the Atlantic coast to the interior and serving as a vital trade route.

RN1 begins in the port city of Matadi, located on the Congo River near the Atlantic Ocean. From Matadi, it traverses the Bas-Congo province, passing through or near cities such as Mbanza-Ngungu, Kisantu, and Kimpese. It continues eastward, eventually reaching Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC.

East of Kinshasa, RN1 is of variable quality and faces maintenance challenges. It continues through Bandundu Province, passing through or near important towns. The road then cuts through the northern portion of Kasai-Occidental province.

RN1 serves as a critical link for the transportation of goods, people, and resources across the DRC. It facilitates trade between coastal regions and the interior, and provides access to markets and services for communities along its route. However, the road is often in poor condition, particularly in the eastern sections, due to factors such as lack of funding for maintenance, heavy rainfall, and the long period of civil strife the country has experienced. The poor road conditions create significant challenges for transportation, increasing travel times and costs.

Improvements to RN1 are considered essential for the economic development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rehabilitating and maintaining the road would enhance trade, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to essential services for millions of Congolese citizens. Several international organizations and governments have supported or are considering projects aimed at improving sections of National Road 1.