Kinshasa witnessed a landmark diplomatic engagement this week as Christophe Lecourtier, Director-General of France’s Agence française de développement (AFD), held high-level talks with Marie Nyange Ndambo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Economy.
The meeting marked the first official visit of the AFD chief to Kinshasa, underscoring the strategic importance of the Congo Basin’s forests in global climate discussions. The discussions centered on deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly in forest conservation and climate resilience initiatives.
Strengthening forest protection and climate commitments
During the engagement, Lecourtier highlighted France’s unwavering commitment to supporting Congo’s environmental policies, emphasizing that forest preservation remains a cornerstone of AFD’s operations in the region. He praised the Congolese government’s proactive stance on climate action, particularly its alignment with the Belém Call, which positions Congo as a key player in global forest governance.
« The Congo Basin’s forests are not just a national treasure—they are a global asset. What happens here affects the entire planet. The recent heatwaves in Europe serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to act together, » Lecourtier stated, reflecting on the broader implications of deforestation and climate change.
Innovative local engagement: the Z3D project
A major highlight of the discussions was the introduction of the Z3D project, an innovative initiative designed to directly involve local communities in combating deforestation. The pilot program will provide financial incentives to rural populations, encouraging sustainable land use and reforestation efforts. This approach aligns with Congo’s national climate strategy and aims to create tangible economic benefits for forest-dependent communities.
« This is a pilot project that could set a precedent not only for Congo but for the entire Congo Basin. By linking financial rewards to conservation efforts, we empower local actors to become stewards of their environment, » Lecourtier explained.
France-Congo partnership: a model for climate action
The AFD’s engagement in Congo reflects the broader scope of its operations across Africa, where it supports over 35 projects totaling more than €731 million. These initiatives span health, biodiversity, gender equality, and climate resilience, with Congo emerging as a priority partner due to its vast natural resources and pivotal role in global climate dynamics.
The AFD operates through three complementary entities: the Agence française de développement for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation. Together, they work to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on inclusive and resilient development.
As global climate negotiations intensify ahead of the upcoming COP in Turkey, Congo’s leadership in forest conservation is expected to take center stage. Lecourtier reaffirmed France’s full support for Congo’s climate ambitions, emphasizing that international cooperation remains the most effective pathway to address the climate crisis.
« No single country can tackle climate change alone. It is through partnerships like the one we are building with Congo that we can make meaningful progress. The forests and peatlands of Congo are vital carbon sinks, and their protection is a shared responsibility, » he concluded.
