Kinshasa Central Market

The Kinshasa Central Market (French: Marché Central de Kinshasa, formerly Marché Publique), also known colloquially as Zando ya Monene or simply Zando in Lingala, is a marketplace located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Spanning approximately 72.5 hectares in the city center, it is one of the city's most prominent and historic marketplaces, serving Kinois and attracting traders and consumers from various provinces across the country, including Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Équateur, Kasaï-Central, Kasaï-Oriental, Lomami, and Sankuru. Its renowned for its variety of manufactured goods and larger retail outlets.

Initially inaugurated in January 1944 under Belgian colonial rule by Vice Governor General Paul Ermens and District Commissioner Roger Le Bussy, the market underwent significant transformation following Congolese independence—including a complete demolition and reconstruction in 1968—as part of Mobutu Sese Seko's Authenticité campaign, which promoted national identity and sought to reduce foreign corporate influence. During Mobutu's presidency, the market stood as Kinshasa's largest trading center until it was eventually eclipsed by the Marché de la Liberté under President Laurent-Désiré Kabila. As of May 1989, the market accommodated 15,500 vendors. By 2020, that number had risen to 35,000 vendors.

On 20 January 2021, the marketplace was temporarily shut down for rehabilitation work by the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Kanza Ne Kongo, who represent Governor Gentiny Ngobila Mbaka.