Congo and African Development Bank collaborate to enhance project performance

KINSHASA - In a significant step towards advancing the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) development agenda, the government has partnered with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to implement a robust plan to enhance the effectiveness of its project portfolio. This initiative was formally agreed upon during a Country Portfolio Performance Review held from 17 to 20 November in the capital, Kinshasa.

The joint review produced a comprehensive strategy that prioritises greater ownership of projects by sector ministries, proactive support for ongoing operations, and coordinated investment programming. The plan also advocates digitising project implementation processes, bolstering project team capacity, and fostering collaboration to minimise lead times.

In addressing the necessity of effective project execution, DRC Deputy Finance Minister Yamba Kazadi Gracia stated, “It is essential that projects financed by the African Development Bank perform well if we are to meet the legitimate expectations of our people. Every dollar unused represents a school not built, a road not rehabilitated, a health centre not equipped. We have a moral and political duty to transform this funding into tangible results for the development of our country.”

The outcomes of the three-day assessment included thematic workshops that allowed governmental technical teams, under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance's Project and Programme Monitoring Unit and the Bank Group's Project Management Units, to analyse each operation’s status, highlight challenges, and propose corrective measures for effective implementation.

Mohamed Chérif, the Bank Group's Deputy Director General for Central Africa, highlighted the importance of collaboration during the review process. He remarked, “This meeting testifies to our shared commitment to the national vision and reaffirms our support for the major national priorities. This is why we need to work more closely together to improve the effectiveness of our projects and programmes and enhance their impact on the development and well-being of the Congolese people.”

The DRC’s ongoing projects encompass an impressive portfolio exceeding $1.6 billion, targeting critical sectors such as agriculture, transport, energy, drinking water and sanitation, governance, human capital, and digital infrastructure. The AfDB's portfolio in the DRC stands as one of the largest commitments in Central Africa, underscoring the bank's dedication to fostering sustainable development in the region.