By Ayomide Otitoju
A high-level delegation from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) visited the Republic of Congo from 26 to 28 October 2025 as part of efforts to deepen collaboration and advance preparations for the Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville.
The delegation, led by AfDB Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, held discussions with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, underscoring the strong partnership between the Bank and Congo and the shared commitment to supporting the country’s economic transformation under the 2022–2026 National Development Plan. Key areas of focus included economic diversification, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and regional integration.
The team also met with several government officials, including Jean Jacques Bouya, Minister of State and Minister of Land Use Planning and Public Works, and Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of Planning, Statistics, and Regional Integration. These discussions reviewed strategic cooperation initiatives and assessed progress in preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the national data centre project financed by the Bank, accompanied by Minister Ngatsé and Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy.
“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 achievements and accelerate the implementation of core projects in the 2022–2026 National Development Plan,” said Minister Ngatsé, who also serves as the Bank Group Governor for Congo.
Ms. Akin-Olugbade commended the quality of discussions and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Congo’s transformation. “Our discussions focused on flagship projects in transport, energy, and agriculture, as well as regional initiatives that strengthen economic integration and lay a solid foundation for the African Continental Free Trade Area in Central Africa,” she said.
Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings are coordinated by the National Preparatory Committee, chaired by Minister Bouya. The signing of a memorandum of understanding during AfDB’s initial preparatory mission in September 2025 was highlighted as a demonstration of Congo’s commitment to the success of the event.
The 2026 Annual Meetings will showcase Congo’s economic potential, infrastructure development, and major reforms to a global audience.
With an active portfolio of $223 million in sovereign operations, the African Development Bank continues to support Congo’s development, including regional integration infrastructure projects, such as the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum roads, and the deployment of fibre optic networks connecting Congo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
