Environment Minister Marie Nyange Ndambo welcomed French Development Agency Director General Christophe Lecourtier in Kinshasa on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, marking the first official visit of the AFD chief to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The high-level meeting underscored the deepening Franco-Congolese partnership, with particular emphasis on bolstering healthcare systems—especially at the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB)—and accelerating forest conservation efforts in the Congo Basin.

Following productive discussions, Lecourtier praised the DRC’s proactive environmental policies and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Kinshasa’s climate ambitions. He emphasized that forest protection remains a cornerstone of AFD’s strategic priorities in the region.

“Our meeting centered on the minister’s environmental policies, particularly regarding forest conservation. We also highlighted the critical importance of Franco-Congolese cooperation in this domain. Among the AFD’s top priorities—under the guidance of our ambassador in the DRC—forest preservation ranks at the very forefront. Our goal is to make this partnership as tangible and impactful as possible,” Lecourtier stated to the press after the talks.

Discussions also touched on the DRC’s pivotal role in the Belém Call to Action, a landmark initiative to mobilize global efforts in safeguarding the Congo Basin’s forests. Lecourtier commended recent government decisions aligned with this framework.

“The Belém Call places significant responsibility on your shoulders, entrusting the DRC with leadership in Congo Basin forest initiatives. We are confident that the policies adopted by your government reflect this vision. France and the AFD will provide full support to ensure that, during the upcoming COP summit in Turkey this autumn, you can showcase the concrete measures you’ve implemented. You have our unwavering backing,” he declared.

The AFD chief also outlined the Z3D pilot project, designed to engage local communities directly in combating deforestation through financial incentives. This initiative aligns with broader goals to empower populations while addressing environmental challenges.

“The Z3D project aims to involve local communities directly in reducing deforestation by offering financial incentives. As you and the President of the Republic have emphasized, these benefits must reach the people on the ground. For us, this is a pilot initiative with the DRC, but its potential impact could extend far beyond our borders,” he explained.

“We share one planet. What happens here—in the DRC’s vast forests, peatlands, and woodlands—affects global climate patterns and even the lives of Europeans. Unprecedented heatwaves are currently striking Europe, including France, serving as a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue.” Lecourtier noted.

He concluded by stressing that only strengthened international cooperation can effectively tackle the climate crisis.

“We can only curb climate change through robust partnerships and coordinated action with countries like yours, which possess immense potential to mitigate this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play a vital role in carbon sequestration,” Lecourtier emphasized.

This official visit underscores the strategic importance of the DRC in the AFD’s global priorities. It also reflects the institution’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Congolese authorities to advance the country’s key development goals. With a portfolio exceeding €731 million across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC stands as one of AFD’s primary intervention hubs in Central Africa.

The AFD Group operates in over 160 countries and territories, championing equitable, sustainable, and resilient development. Through its three complementary entities—the French Development Agency (AFD) for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation—the group assists states and partners in implementing projects that address critical sustainable development challenges.

With over 4,000 projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AFD Group mobilizes financing, expertise, and partnerships to drive economic growth, combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, promote gender equality, foster peace, and strengthen health systems—tailored to the unique needs of each region.

Clément Muamba