The African Development Bank Group and the Republic of Congo have strengthened their ongoing partnership as preparations advance for the Bank’s Annual Meetings, due to take place in Brazzaville in May 2026. A senior delegation from the institution carried out a mission to the country with discussions centring on economic diversification, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
The delegation was led by Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, who met President Denis Sassou Nguesso in Brazzaville. The meeting reaffirmed what both sides described as strong relations between the Bank and the Republic of Congo and aligned priorities around the government’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan. The talks highlighted areas such as transport, energy, agriculture, and the country’s wider ambitions for economic transformation.
During the visit, the Bank’s representatives also held discussions with key members of the Congolese government, including Minister of State and Minister of Land Use Planning and Public Works Jean Jacques Bouya and Minister of Planning, Statistics and Regional Integration Ludovic Ngatsé. These discussions covered strategic cooperation topics and provided updates on logistical and organisational progress for next year’s Annual Meetings.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited the national data centre project site, which is being financed by the Bank in Brazzaville. The tour was accompanied by Minister Ngatsé and Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, marking one of several infrastructure priorities currently under way through Bank support.
“This high-level mission marks a new stage in the exemplary partnership between the Republic of Congo and the African Development Bank. It reflects our shared desire to consolidate our achievements and accelerate the implementation of core projects included in the 2022–2026 National Development Plan. We welcome the Bank’s continued support for our vision of economic diversification, agricultural transformation and regional integration, which are central to Congo’s future prosperity,” said Minister Ludovic Ngatsé, who also serves as the Bank Group Governor for the Republic of Congo.
Ms Akin-Olugbade said the discussions reinforced the strength of the partnership and the Bank’s commitment to the Congo’s long-term development goals. “We were able to review the status of our cooperation, which is excellent and focuses on supporting Congo in implementing the vision of the President of the Republic. Our discussions focused on flagship projects in the transport, energy and agriculture sectors, as well as regional initiatives that will help strengthen economic integration and lay a solid foundation for the African Continental Free Trade Area, starting in Central Africa,” the Senior Vice President said.
Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings are being overseen by the National Preparatory Committee, chaired by Minister Bouya. Ms Akin-Olugbade also welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding for hosting the event, a milestone that was completed during an earlier preparatory mission in September 2025. She described the agreement as confirmation of the Republic of Congo’s commitment to ensuring the success of the gathering.
The event is expected to spotlight the country’s investment prospects, recent reforms, and infrastructure progress, while drawing international attention to its growth plans.
The African Development Bank currently holds an active portfolio of $223 million in Congo, comprising solely sovereign operations. Funding has been directed to major infrastructure schemes supporting regional integration, such as the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum road corridors, as well as the expansion of fibre-optic connectivity linking Congo with Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
The mission also emphasised the Bank’s backing for agricultural diversification and productivity. This includes work to accelerate the Integrated Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PRODIVAC) and expand protected agricultural zones (ZAP), aimed at boosting food security, improving yields, and creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
The visit adds momentum to preparations for the 2026 meetings, while signalling continued alignment between the Bank and the Republic of Congo on efforts to strengthen economic resilience, deepen regional trade links, and advance key infrastructure priorities.
