France’s AFD boosts support for Congo’s forest conservation and climate action
- Environment
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Marie Nyange Ndambo, received Christophe Lecourtier, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), on an official visit to Kinshasa on July 14, 2026.
This marked Lecourtier’s first official mission to the DRC, where he emphasized the strengthening of Franco-Congolese cooperation with a focus on forest preservation in the Congo Basin and support for the health sector, particularly the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).
Strengthening Environmental Partnerships
During their meeting, Lecourtier praised the Congolese government’s environmental policies and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the DRC’s climate ambitions. He highlighted that forest protection remains a top priority for AFD.
“Our discussions focused on the minister’s environmental policies, particularly regarding forests. We also emphasized the importance of Franco-Congolese cooperation in this sector. Among AFD’s priorities, forest protection is at the forefront, with a strong emphasis on practical, concrete actions,” Lecourtier stated to the press following the meeting.
Congo Basin’s Critical Role
Lecourtier acknowledged the DRC’s leadership role in the Belém Call, which entrusts the country with responsibility for the Congo Basin’s forests. He expressed confidence in the government’s recent initiatives:
“You have taken on a significant responsibility with the Belém Call, which places you at the forefront of Congo Basin forest issues. We are convinced that the policies you have adopted align perfectly with this vision. We will provide full support so that during the upcoming COP in Turkey, you can present these initiatives. You can count on France and AFD,” he affirmed.
Innovative Community-Led Conservation
The discussions also covered the Z3D pilot project, which aims to involve local communities directly in deforestation prevention through financial incentives.
“This is the Z3D project, which connects local populations to deforestation reduction efforts through financial incentives. As you and the President have requested, these incentives must directly benefit communities. For us, this is a pilot project with the DRC, but it could have far-reaching impacts,” Lecourtier explained.
He underscored the global significance of the Congo Basin’s forests:
“We share one planet. What happens here—in the vast forests, peatlands, and forest resources of your country—affects global climate and even the lives of Europeans. Unprecedented heatwaves are striking Europe, including France, making it clear that urgent action is needed.”
“We can only curb climate change through strengthened international partnerships and cooperation with countries like yours, which hold significant potential to slow this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play a crucial role in carbon capture,” he concluded.
A Strategic Partnership
This official visit underscores the DRC’s strategic importance in AFD’s priorities and reflects the agency’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Congolese authorities. With a portfolio exceeding €731 million across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC is one of AFD’s key intervention countries in Central Africa.
The AFD Group operates in over 160 countries and territories, promoting fairer, more sustainable, and resilient development. Through its three complementary entities—AFD for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation—the group collaborates with states to implement projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With over 4,000 projects worldwide, AFD mobilizes financing, expertise, and partnerships to advance economic growth, climate action, biodiversity conservation, gender equality, peace, and health system strengthening, tailored to local needs.