Updated Feb 18, 2026
KEY STATS
2.1M
Population
264 Mbps
Internet
MJM (3km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Diamond-rich Mbuji-Mayi thrives as DR Congo's commercial powerhouse in Middle Africa, its streets alive with traders and resilient entrepreneurs. Visitors drawn to offbeat adventures discover raw energy and improving internet hubs, though power outages remind you of the city's frontier spirit.
QUICK FACTS
Country
DR Congo
Region
Middle Africa
Population
2.1M
Currency
CDF
Language
French
Airport
MJM
GPS
-6.14, 23.59
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
264 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Travel
MJM airport just 3 km from the city center
Climate
Year-round average of 26C — near-ideal temperatures
INFRASTRUCTURE
87 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
2
Cafes
2
Bars
2
Shopping
Convenience
2
Healthcare
Hospitals
12
Pharmacies
1
Education
Schools
24
Universities
2
Recreation
Parks
14
Sports
3
Transport
Fuel Stations
3
Services
Banks
1
ATMs
2
Post Offices
1
Police
1
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
264 Mbps
Download
35 Mbps
Upload
44ms
Latency
7
Tests
3
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Dec
27°
J
27°
F
27°
M
26°
A
25°
M
25°
J
25°
J
25°
A
25°
S
26°
O
27°
N
27°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 25.9 C Range: 24.7 - 27.1 C Rain: 714 mm/year Sunshine: 3,535 h/year
CITY SCORES
91.5
Nomad Index
A
Livability
37.5
Culture
62.9
Overall
AIRPORT
MJM
Mbuji Mayi Airport
3 km from center
Very close — ~5 min ride
FUN FACTS
Mbuji-Mayi (formerly Bakwanga) is a city and the capital of Kasai-Oriental Province in the south-central Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is thought to be the second largest city in the country, after the capital Kinshasa and ahead of Lubumbashi, Kisangani and Kananga, though its exact population is not known.
Estimates range from a 2010 CIA World Factbook estimated population of 1,480,000 to as many as 3,500,000 estimated by the United Nations in 2008.
Mbuji-Mayi lies in Luba country on the Mbuji-Mayi River.
Despite its large population, the city remains remote, having little connection to surrounding provinces or to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Mbuji-Mayi known for?
Diamond-rich Mbuji-Mayi thrives as DR Congo's commercial powerhouse in Middle Africa, its streets alive with traders and resilient entrepreneurs. Visitors drawn to offbeat adventures discover raw energy and improving internet hubs, though power outages remind you of the city's frontier spirit.
How fast is the internet in Mbuji-Mayi?
Mbuji-Mayi has an average download speed of 264 Mbps and upload speed of 35 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Mbuji-Mayi?
Mbuji-Mayi has an average year-round temperature of approximately 25.9 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Mbuji-Mayi?
Mbuji-Mayi is served by MJM (Mbuji Mayi Airport), approximately 3 km from the city center.
What is the population of Mbuji-Mayi?
The population of Mbuji-Mayi is approximately 2.1M.
What infrastructure does Mbuji-Mayi have?
Mbuji-Mayi has 87 mapped points of interest, including 2 restaurants, 12 hospitals, 24 schools.
What country is Mbuji-Mayi in?
Mbuji-Mayi is located in DR Congo.