AfDB Backs Eastern DR Congo with $48.8 Million to Restore Services and Stability
The African Development Bank Group has approved $48.8 million in financing to support conflict-affected communities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to restore essential services and strengthen long-term resilience.
The funding, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, will be channelled through the Crisis Response Project in Support of Affected Populations in Eastern DRC (PRECAPE). The package includes a $33.91 million loan, a $4.95 million grant from the Transition Support Facility, and a further $9.97 million grant from the African Development Fund.
According to the Bank, the project is designed to address urgent humanitarian needs while laying the foundation for sustainable recovery in regions heavily impacted by conflict.
Mohamed Chérif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and Country Manager for the DRC, said the initiative would provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
“The project will provide a targeted response to urgent needs whilst laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to fragility and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations,” he said. “It aims to restore economic assets that promote the social inclusion of young people and women, reduce economic, social and climate marginalisation, whilst consolidating peace and community resilience.”
The project will finance the rehabilitation and equipping of climate-resilient infrastructure to restore basic social services. This includes upgrading health facilities, schools and vocational training centres, as well as improving water, sanitation and hygiene systems.
Planned works will cover five vocational training centres, seven schools and seven health facilities. Additional investments will support the construction of market infrastructure and water systems to improve living conditions and economic activity in affected communities.
PRECAPE also includes targeted human capital development initiatives. Around 1,500 young people will receive vocational training in high-demand sectors, while 2,000 young people and women will benefit from entrepreneurship and financial literacy programmes.
In addition, the project will provide psychosocial and medical support to approximately 4,500 survivors of gender-based violence, reflecting a broader effort to address the social impacts of conflict.
The initiative will support the government’s Delivery Unit within the Prime Minister’s Office to enhance coordination and monitor implementation of the country’s Resilience Compact.
It will also contribute to the rollout of the Natural Resources Tokenisation initiative through the AXIS programme, which seeks to increase the value of community assets and mobilise financing using digital tools, initially focusing on gold and carbon resources.
PRECAPE will be implemented in Uvira in South Kivu, as well as Beni and Walikale in North Kivu, areas that have experienced prolonged insecurity and displacement.
The project is expected to benefit more than 800,000 people, including internally displaced persons and host communities, by improving access to essential services and strengthening local resilience.
The African Development Bank Group says the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting fragile states and promoting inclusive, sustainable development across the continent.
