New Road Taxes Turn Manono-Nyunzu-Kalemie Corridor into Economic Challenge

Kalemie, Tanganyika, July 8, 2026 - The reopening of the Manono-Nyunzu-Kalemie road, once viewed as a major opportunity to revive trade and reconnect an isolated part of Tanganyika Province, is now generating growing frustration among transporters, traders, and local residents who accuse authorities of allowing excessive taxation along the strategic route. The 446-kilometer road was expected to transform economic activity in Manono Territory, which had remained largely cut off for years due to the poor state of transport infrastructure. But according to civil society organizations and traders' representatives, the benefits of improved access are being undermined by the multiplication of tolls, checkpoints, and additional fees imposed on road users. In a joint statement released on July 7, the Manono Civil Society Coordination and the Manono Traders' Association warned that the financial pressure created by these charges is affecting businesses and increasing the cost of living for households across the province. Transport Costs Drive Up Prices According to the organizations, vehicles using the road are subjected to different toll rates depending on their category. Passenger vehicles, medium-sized trucks, and heavy transport vehicles are all required to pay specific charges along the route. The burden is even greater for trucks transporting goods. Traders say the accumulation of fees has significantly increased the cost of moving essential commodities, creating a domino effect throughout the local economy. Transport operators raise their prices to cover additional expenses, traders then pass these costs on to consumers, and families ultimately pay more for basic necessities such as flour, sugar, salt, and cooking oil. “We believed this road would bring relief, but taxation is now becoming unbearable,” a trader from Manono was quoted as saying, warning that many businesses are operating at a loss. Calls for Government Intervention Economic actors also denounce the growing number of roadblocks where additional payments are allegedly demanded without clear justification. Civil society groups are calling on national and provincial authorities to establish a transparent toll system, eliminate abusive practices, clearly define authorized fees, and protect local businesses from excessive financial pressure. They warn that if the situation continues, the road project could fail to deliver the economic transformation expected by communities that have long suffered from isolation. A Strategic Corridor for Tanganyika’s Development The rehabilitation of the Kalemie-Manono road began in October 2024 as part of efforts to open up Tanganyika Province and improve regional connectivity. The route links Kalemie to Manono Territory and connects major national transport corridors. Provincial authorities have described the project as strategic for economic development, security, and the movement of goods and people across Tanganyika's territories. The road is also part of a broader cooperation framework between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania aimed at strengthening the central corridor and expanding commercial exchanges between the two countries. For residents of Manono, however, the current debate is no longer only about rebuilding roads. It is about ensuring that improved infrastructure translates into real economic relief rather than becoming another source of financial hardship.