Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Marie Nyange Ndambo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and the New Climate Economy, held a significant meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with Christophe Lecourtier, the Director General of the Agence française de développement (AFD) Group, who was on his inaugural official visit to the country.

This high-level visit underscores the deepening Franco-Congolese partnership, with key discussions centered on bolstering support for the health sector, particularly the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), and crucially, the vital preservation of the Congo Basin forests.

Following their discussions, the AFD Director General commended the robust environmental policies championed by the Congolese government. He reiterated France’s unwavering commitment to assisting the DRC in achieving its ambitious climate goals, emphasizing that safeguarding forests remains a paramount priority for the French Development Agency.

“Our conversation primarily focused on the environmental and, specifically, forest policies implemented by the Minister. We also touched upon the significant importance we place on Franco-Congolese cooperation in this domain. Among the top 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 forefront. The objective is to ensure our actions are as impactful as possible,” Lecourtier conveyed to the press after the meeting.

Lecourtier also acknowledged the critical responsibility entrusted to the DRC within the framework of the Belém Call, praising the recent policy directions adopted by the government.

“You have been given a weighty responsibility with the Belém Call, entrusting you with leadership concerning the Congo Basin forests. We are confident that the policies you have successfully advocated for in the Council of Ministers align perfectly with this dynamic. We pledge our full support so that, at the upcoming COP in Turkey this autumn, you can effectively present all the initiatives you have undertaken. You can rely on France and the AFD,” he affirmed.

Discussions further included the innovative Z3D pilot project. This initiative aims to directly engage local communities in anti-deforestation efforts by providing financial incentives, ensuring that these benefits directly empower local populations, as desired by the President of the Republic. The AFD Director General highlighted its potential impact, stating,

“This project, known as Z3D, seeks to directly involve local communities in the fight to slow deforestation through financial incentives. As you and the President of the Republic wish, these incentives must directly benefit the communities. For us, this is a pioneering project undertaken with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but one that could have a far broader influence.”

Lecourtier underscored the global interconnectedness of environmental issues:

“We inhabit a single planet. What transpires here, within your country’s immense forests, vast peatlands, and forest resources, has an impact on the global climate, and indeed, on the lives of Europeans. Today, unprecedented heatwaves are striking Europe, particularly France, making everyone acutely aware that significant changes are occurring.”

He concluded by stressing that only intensified international cooperation can effectively address the climate challenge.

“We can only contain global warming through concerted partnership and cooperation with nations like yours, which possess a considerable advantage in contributing to slowing this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play an essential role in carbon sequestration,” Christophe Lecourtier emphasized.

This official visit highlights 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 strengthening its partnership with Congolese authorities to support the nation’s key development priorities. With a portfolio exceeding 731 million euros allocated across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC is currently among the AFD Group’s primary intervention countries in Central Africa.

Operating in over 160 countries and 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 assists states and their partners in implementing projects that address major sustainable development challenges. With more than 4,000 projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AFD Group mobilizes funding, expertise, and partnerships on behalf of France to promote economic growth, combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, advance gender equality, foster peace, and strengthen health systems, all with an approach tailored to local realities and needs.