France strengthens commitment to Democratic Republic of Congo’s forest preservation and climate action

Kinshasa, July 14, 2026 — The Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Economy, Marie Nyange Ndambo, received today the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), Christophe Lecourtier, on an official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This marks Christophe Lecourtier’s first official mission to DRC, underscoring the deepening partnership between France and the Congolese government in critical areas such as health, forest preservation, and climate action.

Strengthening Franco-Congolese cooperation for environmental sustainability

During the meeting, the AFD Director General commended the Congolese government’s environmental policies, particularly those focused on forest conservation. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting DRC’s climate ambitions, emphasizing that forest protection is a top priority for the AFD.

« Our discussions centered on the minister’s environmental policies, especially regarding forest preservation. We also highlighted the importance of Franco-Congolese cooperation in this sector. For the AFD, under the leadership of our ambassador in the DRC, forest conservation is undoubtedly a top priority. Our goal is to make this cooperation as tangible and impactful as possible, » Lecourtier stated to the press after the meeting.

DRC’s pivotal role in global climate action

Lecourtier acknowledged DRC’s leadership role following the Belém Call to Action, which entrusts the country with safeguarding the Congo Basin forests. He expressed confidence in the government’s recent policy decisions, pledging France’s full support ahead of the upcoming COP summit in Turkey this autumn.

« You have been entrusted with a major responsibility through the Belém Call to Action, which positions your country as a guardian of the Congo Basin forests. We are confident that the policies adopted by your government align perfectly with this mission. France and the AFD will support you in presenting these initiatives at the COP summit in Turkey, » he affirmed.

Pilot project to engage local communities in forest conservation

The visit also highlighted the Z3D pilot project, designed to involve local communities directly in combating deforestation through financial incentive mechanisms. This initiative aligns with the Congolese government’s objectives and the AFD’s commitment to ensuring that climate action benefits those most affected by environmental challenges.

« This is the Z3D project, which aims to incentivize local communities to reduce deforestation through direct financial rewards. As you’ve requested, and as the President of the Republic has emphasized, these incentives must reach the communities themselves. For us, this is a pilot project with the DRC, but it has the potential to create a significant global impact, » Lecourtier explained.

« We all share one planet. What happens in the vast forests, peatlands, and forest resources of your country impacts not only the global climate but also the lives of Europeans. Unprecedented heatwaves are currently striking Europe, including France, making it clear to everyone that urgent action is needed. »

« We can only contain climate change through strengthened international cooperation and partnership with countries like yours, which possess immense resources to combat this phenomenon. Forests and peatlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, » he concluded.

A strategic partnership for sustainable development

This official visit underscores the strategic importance of the DRC in the AFD’s priorities. It reflects the agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Congolese authorities to support the country’s key development priorities. With a portfolio exceeding €731 million across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC is among the AFD Group’s top intervention countries in Central Africa.

The AFD Group, active in over 160 countries and overseas territories, promotes fairer, more sustainable, and resilient development. Through its three complementary entities — the 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 aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With over 4,000 projects worldwide, the AFD Group mobilizes financing, expertise, and partnerships to address critical challenges such as economic growth, climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, gender equality, peacebuilding, and health system strengthening. These efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs and realities of each region.

Reporting by Clément Muamba