Imagine a bustling marketplace, once a chaotic maze of stalls and shoppers, transformed into a modern, sustainable hub—all while preserving its rich cultural heritage. This is the story of Kinshasa’s historic Zando Market, which is set to reopen its doors after a five-year, £56 million makeover. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its award-winning design and ambitious vision, the project has faced accusations of corruption and criticism over its alignment with local culture. Could this be the blueprint for Africa’s future markets, or a cautionary tale of modernization gone wrong? Let’s dive in.
For Dieudonné Bakarani, the man behind this transformation, Zando Market holds personal significance. Starting his career selling vegetables at a small stall here decades ago, the 57-year-old entrepreneur is now the driving force behind its redevelopment. Bakarani envisions Zando not just as a marketplace but as an award-winning city landmark that honors its roots while addressing long-standing issues like overcrowding, sanitation, and safety. The market, which once drew a staggering one million shoppers daily, was closed in January 2021, displacing 20,000 vendors and sparking protests. But Bakarani is determined to bring it back better than ever.
And this is the part most people miss: the new Zando isn’t just a facelift—it’s a reimagining of what an African market can be. Spread across 23 acres, it will house 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, 40 cold rooms, 272 toilets (a stark contrast to the nine available before), and even a fire station. Designed by Paris-based Think Tank Architecture, the market blends traditional African aesthetics with modern functionality. Perforated brick facades provide natural ventilation and shade, while locally sourced materials like terracotta bricks support regional craftsmanship. Rainwater harvesting and landscaped courtyards aim to boost biodiversity and cleanliness, making it a model of sustainable design.
But not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that the project risks Westernizing a cultural cornerstone, and a 2024 report by DRC anti-corruption organizations flagged inconsistencies in the contract, alleging incompetence and a lack of transparency. Bakarani denies these claims, emphasizing that the market respects local culture while elevating its standards. Is this a fair critique, or an inevitable growing pain of progress? Weigh in below.
What’s undeniable is Zando’s potential impact. Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo praises the design for modernizing a traditional African market without erasing its identity. “So many solutions on the continent are Western imports,” she notes, highlighting the importance of preserving Africa’s unique trading culture. Markets, she argues, are more than economic hubs—they’re social and political lifelines, deeply interwoven into daily life.
Bakarani hopes Zando will not only redefine Kinshasa’s image but also inspire similar projects across Africa. Amid ongoing conflicts in the DRC, particularly with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, he sees the market as a symbol of resilience and opportunity. “People are still dreaming here,” he says. “As entrepreneurs, it’s our duty to build our country.”
But here’s the question: Can Zando Market truly bridge tradition and modernity, or will it become a battleground between cultural preservation and progress? And what does its success—or failure—mean for Africa’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
