The recent talks held by the African Development Bank Group in the Republic of Congo from 24 – 28 February 2025 have been a significant step forward in strengthening the strategic partnership between the Bank and the Central African country. Led by Solomane Koné, Acting Director General for Central Africa, the discussions aimed to reinforce cooperation to accelerate national development priorities. The visit also coincided with the signing of two grant agreements totaling $1.5 million to address Congo’s energy challenges.
One of the grant agreements includes a $585,000 grant from the Middle Income Country Technical Assistance Fund to fund feasibility studies for hydroelectric infrastructure on the Congo River. The second grant, totaling $995,000, is from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund (KOAFEC) to enhance the electrical transmission line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville. These projects aim to open up power pools with neighboring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, and modernize Congo’s energy infrastructure to diversify its economy.
In the digital sector, a visit to the Data Center currently being built in Congo as part of the Central African Backbone fiber optic project showcased the country’s technological advances. This strategic center will help improve national and regional connectivity, support the emergence of an inclusive digital economy, and enhance digital sovereignty.
The Bank Group’s mission also included high-level meetings with the Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso, and the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Ludovic Ngatsé, among other government officials. The discussions focused on supporting the implementation of Congo’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2022-2026 and encouraged the government to pursue structural reforms, particularly in debt management, to allow for funding of core projects in the energy sector.
Furthermore, the Bank Group’s mission explored prospects for mobilizing new funding to support strategic sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, and roads. Congo has expressed interest in joining the Energy Compacts under Mission 300, an initiative by the African Development Bank and World Bank. The country also aims to reassess its GDP to include natural capital, a crucial step in unlocking climate funding.
Overall, the relationship between the African Development Bank and the Republic of the Congo is strong, with cooperation based on the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028. This strategy focuses on sustainable infrastructure development and improving human capital and economic governance to support social inclusion. The Bank’s support and influence in backing initiatives for Congo’s development have been acknowledged and appreciated by the Congolese government.
In conclusion, the partnership between the African Development Bank and the Republic of Congo continues to strengthen, with a shared commitment to advancing development priorities and fostering economic growth in the Central African country.
