• Politics
• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – 22:26

France-DRC partnership strengthens with €731M commitment for climate and forest initiatives

Kinshasa witnessed a landmark meeting yesterday as Marie Nyange Ndambo, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Economy, welcomed Christophe Lecourtier, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), for his first official visit to the country.

This high-level engagement underscores the deepening Franco-Congolese cooperation in critical areas of climate action and environmental preservation, with particular focus on the Congo Basin’s vital forests and the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB).

During their discussions, Minister Ndambo outlined the DRC’s ambitious environmental policies, while Mr. Lecourtier emphasized France’s unwavering support through AFD’s substantial financial commitment.

Forest preservation takes center stage in climate strategy

In a press conference following their meeting, Mr. Lecourtier stressed that forest conservation remains AFD’s top priority in the DRC, describing it as a concrete and immediate area of intervention.

« Our discussion focused first on the minister’s environmental policy, particularly regarding forests. We also highlighted the importance of Franco-Congolese cooperation in this sector. Among AFD’s priorities—under the guidance of our ambassador in the DRC—forest preservation is clearly at the forefront. The goal is to be as concrete as possible in our actions. »

He further highlighted the DRC’s pivotal role in the Belem Call for Action, praising recent government decisions that align with global climate commitments.

« You have been entrusted with significant responsibility through the Belem Call, which positions you as stewards of the Congo Basin’s forests. We are convinced that the policy you’ve championed in the Council of Ministers fully aligns with this mission. We will provide our full support so that during the upcoming COP in Turkey this fall, you can present the initiatives you’ve undertaken. You can count on France and AFD. »

Innovative Z3D project empowers local communities

The talks also covered the Z3D pilot project, designed to directly involve local communities in combating deforestation through financial incentives.

« This is the Z3D project, which aims to directly engage local populations in slowing deforestation through financial incentives. As you’ve requested—and as the President of the Republic has emphasized—these incentives must directly benefit communities. For us, this is a pilot project with the DRC, but one that could have far-reaching impacts beyond our borders. »

« We share one planet. What happens here—in your vast forests, peatlands, and forest resources—has global climate implications, affecting not just Congolese lives but also Europeans. Unprecedented heatwaves are currently striking Europe, including France, making it clear to everyone that something significant is happening. »

Mr. Lecourtier concluded by emphasizing that international cooperation is essential to addressing the climate crisis.

« We can only contain global warming through strengthened partnership and cooperation with countries like yours, which possess significant assets to help slow this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play a crucial role in carbon capture. »

AFD’s expanding footprint in the DRC

This official visit highlights the strategic importance of the DRC in AFD’s global priorities. With a portfolio exceeding €731 million across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC stands as one of AFD’s key intervention countries in Central Africa. The agency’s presence spans over 160 countries and overseas territories, working toward more equitable, sustainable, and resilient development.

Through its three complementary entities—AFD (public sector financing), Proparco (private sector support), and Expertise France (technical cooperation)—the group assists states and partners in implementing projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives address critical challenges such as economic growth, climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, gender equality, peacebuilding, and health system strengthening, tailored to local realities and needs.

Clément Muamba