About
Mbuji-Mayi is a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Africa, and the capital of the East Kasai Province (Kasai-Oriental). It is also known by the name Bakwanga.
The city is best known as a centre of diamond mining. It is one of the world's major diamond production centres, and that work shapes its economy and its daily life. For a visitor, Mbuji-Mayi offers a close look at a place where a precious resource is pulled from the ground and where the mining industry is central to the community.
What to expect
- A provincial capital, with the administrative role that comes with it.
- A city whose identity is tied to diamond production.
- A destination better suited to travellers interested in economic geography and mining than to those seeking a conventional sightseeing circuit.
Planning a visit
Because the facts available here are limited, it is worth checking current information before you go, including local conditions, travel advisories and arrangements for transport and accommodation. Visitors who come to Mbuji-Mayi tend to do so with a specific purpose, such as work, research or a wish to understand the country's mineral wealth, and planning around that purpose will make the trip more rewarding.