BAIC FOTON recently held a delivery ceremony in Kolwezi, the capital of Lualaba Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to mark the handover of a fleet of passenger vehicles. The delivery includes 30 custom-designed FOTON school buses and city buses, which will primarily be used for transporting students at public primary and secondary schools in Kolwezi, as well as Unico University. These vehicles will also serve the city’s public transit system, contributing to the improvement of local education infrastructure and public services.
The school buses delivered this time come in two models. One has been specially customized to suit the high-temperature climate of the DRC. Key upgrades include enhanced air conditioning capacity, improved ventilation and cooling vents, and the addition of a mechanical fan to ensure passenger comfort. The seating capacity has also been increased from 48 to 56 seats to better meet actual operational needs.
The other model is a flagship product widely adopted in the DRC, with proven performance in both adaptability and cost-efficiency. It primarily serves the local mining sector and intercity transport hubs. This model is currently available in two configurations: The first is a 56-seat school bus (53+2+1 layout) customized based on standard domestic school bus designs and tailored to client needs. It offers both high safety and comfort, making it ideal for school transport. The second is a 61-seat version (58+2+1 layout) based on a mature domestic coach design, featuring dual passenger doors. It emphasizes comfort and commuting efficiency, making it well-suited for transporting workers in mining areas as well as for use in urban public transit systems.
As the second-largest country in Africa by land area, the DRC is rich in mineral resources but still faces challenges in infrastructure development. The country’s road conditions are complex, and fuel quality and after-sales service systems remain underdeveloped. In response to these realities, BAIC FOTON has recommended a standardized range of bus models and components, emphasizing high reliability, strong compatibility, and low emissions. This approach significantly reduces operating and maintenance costs while ensuring the vehicles are well-suited to the local environment and resource conditions.
This delivery marks an important step forward in the deepening cooperation between BAIC FOTON and the government of the DRC in vehicle procurement and local assembly. It also lays a solid foundation for future initiatives, including localized SKD assembly projects and broader collaboration on government and public service vehicles. Serving as a pilot and showcase project, this fleet will help enhance administrative efficiency and public services in the DRC, while significantly improving urban transportation capacity and optimizing commuting experiences for both students and local residents.
The introduction of this fleet will greatly ease student transportation challenges and public commuting difficulties in Kolwezi. It represents a concrete step by the government toward improving public services and advancing key livelihood projects. As a major player in the African commercial vehicle market, BAIC FOTON has established a comprehensive sales and service network across multiple African countries, with a product lineup that spans heavy-duty trucks, light trucks, pickups, and buses. Through its “Africa Strategy,” BAIC FOTON is systematically enhancing capabilities across the entire value chain—including products, networks, services, parts, financing, and talent development. The company is placing strategic focus on expanding its core businesses in heavy trucks, pickups, and buses, contributing to the development of sustainable transportation systems across the continent.
As its Africa Strategy continues to expand, BAIC FOTON will remain committed to a localized operational approach, deepening partnerships with local stakeholders and focusing on government and public welfare projects. The company aims to support the modernization of transportation and logistics infrastructure across African countries, contributing to long-term, sustainable development.
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