THE African Development Bank Group is deepening its economic cooperation with the Republic of Congo, committing to accelerate key infrastructure and agriculture projects as the country prepares to host the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings.
A high-level Bank delegation led by Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade held talks with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and senior government officials in Brazzaville from 26-28 October, reviewing the Bank’s active $223 million sovereign portfolio in the country.
The visit focused on fast-tracking strategic projects aligned with Congo’s 2022-2026 National Development Plan, particularly in transport corridors, energy infrastructure, and agricultural value chains critical to the country’s economic diversification strategy.
“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,” Akin-Olugbade said.
The Bank is financing major regional integration infrastructure, including the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum road projects, as well as fibre optic cable deployment connecting Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The delegation also inspected the Bank-financed national data centre project in Brazzaville.
Agriculture emerged as a priority sector, with the Bank accelerating its Integrated Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PRODIVAC) and strengthening protected agricultural zones to boost productivity, enhance food security, and create employment for women and youth.
Minister of Planning Ludovic Ngatsé, who also serves as Bank Group Governor for Congo, welcomed the partnership expansion. “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,” he said.
The May 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville will showcase Congo’s economic reforms and infrastructure development to international investors and development partners. A memorandum of understanding for hosting the event was signed during a Bank mission in September 2025.
The meetings are expected to provide a platform for promoting investment opportunities across Central Africa as the region positions itself within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
