The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become a focal point in global climate action, following a high-level meeting in Kinshasa where French development cooperation took center stage. Marie Nyange Ndambo, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Innovation, welcomed Christophe Lecourtier, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This marked the first official visit by Lecourtier to the DRC, underscoring the deepening partnership between Kinshasa and Paris in environmental preservation and climate resilience.
Strengthening bilateral ties in environmental stewardship
The encounter, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kinshasa, centered on reinforcing joint initiatives aimed at protecting the Congo Basin rainforests—one of the planet’s most critical carbon sinks. During the discussions, Minister Nyange Ndambo outlined the DRC’s ambitious environmental policies, including recent cabinet-approved measures designed to align with international climate commitments.
Lecourtier praised the Congolese government’s proactive stance on environmental governance, emphasizing that forest conservation remains a top priority for the AFD. In a statement to the media, he stressed the need for concrete action: “Our dialogue focused on the minister’s overall environmental policy, with special attention to forest preservation. Cooperation between France and the DRC in this sector is vital. Among AFD’s priorities—under the leadership of our ambassador in Kinshasa—forest protection is at the very top of the agenda. We aim to make our support as tangible as possible.”
DRC’s pivotal role in global climate diplomacy
The AFD delegation highlighted the DRC’s strategic importance in the global fight against climate change, particularly in light of its role as a custodian of the Congo Basin forests under the Belém Call to Action. Lecourtier commended the government’s recent policy directives, stating: “The Belém Call places a heavy responsibility on your shoulders, entrusting the DRC with the stewardship of the Congo Basin forests. We are confident that the policies adopted by your cabinet fully align with this mission. We will provide full support so that, during the upcoming COP in Turkey this autumn, you can showcase the initiatives you’ve launched. You can count on France and AFD.”
A community-driven approach to combating deforestation
Among the key initiatives discussed was the Z3D pilot project, designed to directly involve local communities in forest conservation through financial incentives. Lecourtier explained: “This is the Z3D project, which aims to engage local populations in slowing deforestation by offering direct financial incentives. As requested by your government and the President of the Republic, these incentives must benefit communities directly. For us, this is a pilot project with the DRC, but one that could have far-reaching impacts beyond our borders.”
He further emphasized the global stakes of the DRC’s environmental policies: “We share one planet. What happens here—in the vast forests, peatlands, and forest resources of your country—affects global climate patterns and even the lives of Europeans. Record-breaking heatwaves are now striking Europe, including France, making it clear that urgent action is needed.”
Lecourtier concluded by stressing that only strengthened international cooperation can address the climate crisis effectively. “We can only limit global warming through concerted partnership and cooperation with countries like yours, which possess immense potential to help slow this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.”
AFD’s expanding footprint in the DRC
The visit reflects the AFD’s growing commitment to the DRC, where it currently manages a portfolio of over 731 million euros across 35 active projects. The agency ranks among the most active development partners in Central Africa, supporting initiatives that span climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, gender equality, health system strengthening, and sustainable economic growth.
The AFD Group operates in more than 160 countries and overseas territories, leveraging three complementary entities—AFD for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation—to deliver tailored solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 4,000 projects worldwide, the Group mobilizes financing, expertise, and partnerships to advance economic growth, combat climate change, and promote inclusive development.
Reporting by Clément Muamba