- Politique
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Marie Nyange Ndambo, the esteemed Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and New Climate Economy, held a crucial meeting with Christophe Lecourtier, the Director General of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This significant encounter took place during Lecourtier’s inaugural official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The primary objective of this high-level visit was to fortify the enduring partnership between France and the DRC. Discussions particularly focused on providing robust support to the health sector, with a special emphasis on the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), and crucially, on advancing the preservation efforts for the vital Congo Basin forests.
Following their comprehensive dialogue, the AFD Director General commended the proactive environmental policies implemented by the Congolese government. He unequivocally reiterated France’s unwavering commitment to assisting the DRC in achieving its ambitious climate objectives. Lecourtier underscored that the protection of global forests stands as a paramount priority for the Agence Française de Développement.
“Our exchange primarily centered on the policy spearheaded by the Minister concerning the environment in its entirety, and forests specifically. We also addressed the profound importance we place on Franco-Congolese cooperation within this critical sector. Among the foremost priorities for the Agence Française de Développement, under the guidance of our ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the issue of forests is undeniably at the very top. The challenge lies in making our actions as tangible as possible,” Lecourtier conveyed to the press after the meeting.
Addressing the significant responsibility entrusted to the DRC through the “Appel de Belém” (Belém Call), which positions the nation as a key leader for all matters pertaining to the Congo Basin forests, Christophe Lecourtier lauded the recent strategic directions adopted by the Congolese government.
“You have been given a weighty responsibility with the Belém Call, entrusting you with the leadership for all aspects concerning the Congo Basin forests. We are confident that the policy you have secured approval for within the Council of Ministers aligns perfectly with this dynamic. We pledge our full support so that, at the upcoming COP in Turkey this autumn, you can effectively showcase the full spectrum of initiatives you have undertaken. You can absolutely rely on France and the AFD,” he affirmed.
The discussions also delved into the innovative Z3D pilot project. This initiative is designed to directly engage local communities in the fight against deforestation by implementing financial incentive mechanisms. These incentives are structured to directly benefit the communities, aligning with the aspirations of the Congolese President.
“This is a project known as Z3D, which aims to directly involve local populations in the effort to slow deforestation through financial incentives. As you desire, and as the President of the Republic has wished, these incentives must directly benefit the communities. For us, this represents a pilot project launched with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but one that holds the potential for impact far beyond its initial scope,” the AFD Director General elaborated.
“We inhabit a single planet. What transpires here, within the immense forests, vast peatlands, and forest resources of your country, has a profound impact on the global climate, and indeed, on the lives of Europeans. Today, unprecedented heatwaves are afflicting Europe, particularly France. These events are making everyone realize that something significant is happening,” he observed.
Lecourtier concluded by emphasizing that only strengthened international cooperation can adequately address the global climate challenge.
“We will only be able to contain global warming through concerted partnership and cooperation with countries like yours, which possess a considerable asset in contributing to the deceleration of this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play an essential role in carbon sequestration,” Christophe Lecourtier highlighted.
This official visit underscores the strategic importance of the Democratic Republic of Congo within the priorities of the AFD Group. According to the French agency, it also reflects the institution’s commitment to reinforcing its partnership with Congolese authorities to support the nation’s key development priorities. With a substantial portfolio exceeding 731 million euros distributed across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC is currently among the principal countries of intervention for the AFD Group in Central Africa.
Operating in over 160 countries and French overseas territories, the AFD Group is dedicated to fostering development that is more equitable, sustainable, and resilient. Through its three complementary entities—the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation—the group collaborates with states and their partners in implementing projects that tackle major sustainable development challenges.
With a robust portfolio of over 4,000 projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AFD Group, acting on behalf of France, mobilizes crucial financing, expertise, and partnerships. These efforts are dedicated to economic growth, combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, promoting gender equality, fostering peace, and strengthening health systems, all delivered with an approach tailored to the specific realities and needs of each territory.
