AfDB, Congo Forge Stronger Partnership for Growth and Integration
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the Republic of Congo have reinforced their partnership to advance economic diversification, infrastructure development, and regional integration, ahead of the Bank’s Annual Meetings scheduled in Brazzaville in May 2026.
A high-level delegation from the AfDB, led by Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, visited Congo from 26 to 28 October 2025 to review ongoing projects and preparations for the 2026 event. During the visit, Ms Akin-Olugbade held discussions with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and senior government officials, including Ministers Jean Jacques Bouya and Ludovic Ngatsé.
The meetings underscored the strong cooperation between the Bank and Congo, highlighting strategic priorities in economic diversification, transport, energy, agriculture, and regional integration, all aligned with the country’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan.
“This high-level mission marks a new stage in the exemplary partnership between the Republic of Congo and the African Development Bank,” said Minister Ngatsé, who also serves as the Bank Group Governor for Congo. “It reflects our shared desire to consolidate achievements and accelerate key projects essential for the country’s prosperity.”
Ms Akin-Olugbade praised the quality of the discussions, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to supporting Congo’s transformation process. “Our focus is on flagship projects in transport, energy and agriculture, as well as regional initiatives to strengthen economic integration and lay a solid foundation for the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she said.
During the mission, the delegation also visited the national data centre project in Brazzaville and reviewed progress on key infrastructure initiatives, including the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum roads and the deployment of fibre optic cables linking Congo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
The Bank’s interventions also prioritise agricultural development through projects such as PRODIVAC and the expansion of protected agricultural zones (ZAP), aimed at boosting productivity, food security, and sustainable employment opportunities for women and youth.
Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings are overseen by the National Preparatory Committee, led by Minister Bouya, with the event expected to showcase Congo’s economic potential, reforms, and infrastructure achievements. With an active portfolio of US$223 million in sovereign operations, the AfDB remains a trusted partner supporting the country’s inclusive growth and regional integration goals.
