Zando Market in Kinshasa: A Model of Sustainable Architecture and Local Culture

Long criticized for overcrowding and poor sanitation, the historic Zando Market in Kinshasa has undergone a comprehensive sustainable redesign, set to reopen in February 2026 after a five-year hiatus.

Design and Modern Facilities

The market spans 92,000 sq meters (23 acres) and will feature:

High-angle aerial view of the Kinshasa Central Market in 1968, showing several large pavilion buildings with distinct square roofing surrounded by massive crowds of people and white buses on the streets. — An expansive view of the Kinshasa Central Market (Marché Central) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, captured in 1968 following its reconstruction.

10,000 stalls and 630 shops
40 cold rooms, 272 toilets, and 22 banking units
Two food courts, a fire station, CCTV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and advertising screens

Constructed with concrete and locally produced terracotta bricks, the design emphasizes regional craftsmanship, natural ventilation, and shaded areas for thermal comfort. Rainwater harvesting and landscaped courtyards enhance biodiversity and fire safety.

An aerial view of a large, multi-story rectangular building under construction in Kinshasa, featuring a concrete grid roof with rectangular openings. The construction site is surrounded by a dense urban city, a river in the distance, and vibrant street markets filled with colorful umbrellas. — The new Kinshasa Central Market (Marché Central) under construction, showing the massive modern structure replacing the historic pavilions to accommodate more vendors and shoppers.

Preserving Cultural Identity

Marine de la Guerrande of Think Tank Architecture Paysage Urbanisme highlighted that the project retains the characteristics of traditional African markets while modernizing them to meet global standards. The project won the Holcim Foundation Award for sustainable design in December 2025.

Wide-angle shot of a modern open-air market structure featuring concrete mushroom columns supporting flat square roofs, with low brick partitions and numbered stalls. — An architectural view of a contemporary marketplace, showcasing the geometric interplay of concrete canopies and exposed brickwork.

Public-Private Partnership

The redevelopment was made possible through a public-private partnership, with Sogema managing the market for 25 years, and French and Chinese firms overseeing construction and engineering.

Architectural and Urban Outlook

Zando Market sets a benchmark for urban market redevelopment that respects local identity while integrating sustainable and modern design. It provides architects and urban planners with insights on implementing smart urban practices, promoting social and economic sustainability across similar projects in Africa.

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✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The comprehensive redesign of Kinshasa’s historic Zando Market exemplifies Contemporary Urban Regeneration, combining sustainable infrastructure with the preservation of local cultural identity. Spanning 92,000 sq m and incorporating modern amenities, shaded courtyards, and rainwater harvesting, the project reinforces Material Expression and Spatial Dynamics through concrete and locally produced terracotta bricks, natural ventilation, and carefully organized public spaces. However, while the redevelopment addresses sanitation and overcrowding, questions remain regarding Contextual Relevance in balancing commercial functionality with the social practices of traditional market users. Ultimately, Zando Market establishes a model of Architectural Ambition in Africa, demonstrating how large-scale public-private urban projects can integrate sustainability, safety, and heritage preservation while shaping vibrant, adaptable urban environments.