| Kinshasa Central Market | |
| Native Name: | Zando |
| Former Names: | Marché Publique |
| Location Town: | Gombe, Kinshasa |
| Location Country: | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Seating Capacity: | 35,000 vendors |
The Kinshasa Central Market (French: Marché Central de Kinshasa, formerly known as Marché Publique), colloquially referred to as Zando in Lingala, is a marketplace located within the Gombe commune of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).[1] [2] [3] [4] Covering an expansive 90,000 square meters, it was Kinshasa's largest marketplace during Mobutu Sese Seko's reign. It was eventually eclipsed by the Marché de la Liberté during the late President Laurent-Désiré Kabila's tenure. As of May 1989, the market accommodated 15,500 vendors. By 2020, that number had risen to 35,000 vendors.[5] [6] Renowned for its wide assortment of products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, spices, cooked meals such as chikwangue, clothing, fabrics, shoes, accessories, and household goods, the marketplace also showcases distinctive Congolese handicrafts and souvenirs for tourists and visitors.[7] [8] [9] [3]
On January 20, 2021, the marketplace was temporarily shut down for rehabilitation work by the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Kanza Ne Kongo, who represent Governor .[10] [2] The decision impacted around 20,000 vendors, who were temporarily relocated to surrounding markets such as Avenue de la Libération (formerly 24 Novembre), Itaga, and Kalembe-Lembe. The closure faced opposition from vendors, leading to a mass protest march in front of Kinshasa's City Hall. The police dispersed the protesters with tear gas, which led to the arrest of some individuals.
According to Decree Order No. SC/0027/BGV/CO/Ju/NB/2006 dated June 28, 2006, regarding the organization and operation of the Kinshasa Central Market, the marketplace comprises three main governing bodies:[11]
A Managing Committee include:
The Financial Unit is composed of:
The Kinshasa Central Market, originally called Marché Publique or "Native" or "Public" market, was opened in January 1944 by Vice Governor General Paul Ermens and District Commissioner Roger le Bussy. It was located a few hundred meters southeast of the "covered" market, which had been relocated in 1933 from the old railway right of way to make way for Boulevard du 30 Juin. These relocations were made in response to the increasing growth and coercion of the European commercial district encroaching upon the cité indigènes (cities or neighborhoods meant for non-colonists). The newly established marketplace had approximately 1,200 vendors who served around 10,000 buyers daily. It featured an Art Deco structure that enveloped rows of concrete stalls in contrast to the Mediterranean-inspired design of the "Marché Coupole" (now recognized as African Lux).[12] [13] [14] [15] Despite some reservations expressed by certain segments of the European population about sharing shopping spaces with Congolese local residents, the Comité Urbain, an advisory body chaired by the Commissaire de District, was hesitant to construct public facilities within the city. Instead, they utilized the marketplace, along with the adjacent park and zoo, to act as a physical buffer between the two distinct communities. In November 1948, the colonial authorities introduced a restaurant within the marketplace premises, offering Congolese local patrons the opportunity to enjoy a meal for a mere 4 francs (equivalent to about 10 cents at that time).[16]
Following the country's independence from Belgium, the old market was demolished in 1968 and rebuilt as the current Zando during Mobutu Sese Seko's Zairianization of foreign companies. In 1970, ten pavilions with closed roofs, four papillote pavilions, two public toilet blocks, and two administrative buildings were inaugurated and occupied. These facilities were built to accommodate a capacity of 3,500 sellers in accordance with the prescriptions of Ordinance Law n°001 of May 1, 1970. However, due to factors such as rural exodus and unemployment, the number of sellers has since surpassed 20,000, leading to serious problems related to occupation, consumption, operation, and space management in the market.
On January 20, 2021, Kanza Ne Kongo, the provincial Minister of Agriculture, representing Governor Gentiny Ngobila Mbaka, launched rehabilitation works on the site.[17] [18] [19] The market's hygiene conditions were deemed substandard, with no public toilets and blocked rainwater pipes. The market produces up to 9 tons of waste per day, which is not properly disposed of, contributing to an unhealthy marketplace.[20]
According to Minister Kanza, the new Zando marketplace will accommodate 62,000 vendors within an area of 40,000 square kilometers, incorporating a waste disposal mechanism and a designated trading area on the site. The process of demolishing the old buildings commenced on March 18, 2021, in line with the decree issued by the city's governor, Gentiny Ngobila Mbaka, aimed at closing and rehabilitating the trading space. Despite objections from several parties, including the vendors operating within the market, the provincial authorities' decision was implemented and received approval from the head of state, Félix Tshisekedi.