The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on 1 October 2011.

A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, took place on 12 February 2016, with Neil L. Andersen presiding.

[6] The lead negotiator for the temple, both with the government and with local subcontractors, was Norman Kamosi, a former Air Congo executive and member of the Congolese Parliament.

Kamosi joined the LDS Church in Washington, D.C., after having fled there when Kabile came to power.

Unlike others the church previously built, the temple is not topped with a statue of the angel Moroni, although the building is designed to support one if added later.