The country portfolio of the African Development Bank (ADB) is currently US $ 1.4 billion. It was reviewed with satisfaction during the stay in Kinshasa of President Akinwumi Adesina. Relevant projects are those underpinning the five pillars of the AfDB program that also fit into the DRC government’s priorities.
Finance Minister Henri Yav Mulang discussed the key to allocating this amount of the country portfolio across several sectors. This, before thanking, on behalf of the government, the management of the ADB for all the allowances that are granted to the DRC by this institution in the framework of the partnership.
« To date, this co-operation is characterized by a USD 1.4 billion portfolio, spread over several sectors, namely: (i) transport infrastructure (30%), (ii) energy ( 26%), (iii) water-sanitation (12%), (iv) agriculture (12%), (v) social (8%), (vi) governance (7%), (vii) industry and mining (4%) %) and (viii) finance (1%), « he said.
High 5 of the ADB in the DRC
Thus, the first pillar of the AfDB’s « enlighten Africa » program contains 7 projects in the DRC for a total amount of USD 486 million.
The second pillar, which is « feed Africa », has 5 projects in the DRC in the agricultural sector for an amount of 160 million USD.
These first two pillars prepare and support the near completion of the third pillar projects, which is « industrializing Africa ».
As for the fourth pillar, « integrating Africa », chosen as a theme in the last annual meetings organized in Malabo, it informs 7 projects for a total amount of 480 million USD.
« The geostrategic position of our country, in the center of the continent, with 9 neighboring countries, gives it undeniable assets to play the leading roles in the integration of Africa, from North to South and from East to West. » Said Henri Yav.
Finally, the fifth pillar, namely « to improve the living conditions of Africa », not only that it is the natural consequence of achieving the first four pillars, but also the major projects in the field of electricity, as INGA 3 and in the drinking water service, contribute to its realization.
Advocacy of the DRC
However, the attention of the AfDB President was drawn to the need, in view of the extent of cooperation between his institution and the DRC, to strengthen the staffing of AfDB staff at the resident mission.
Henri Yav insisted: « We think it would be appropriate to complete the National Office with the following key positions: (i) Country Manager, (ii) Energy Task Manager, (iii) Task Manager in Agriculture and (iv) Governance Task Manager. This would be timely, as part of the AfDB’s decentralization policy. »
Moreover, the DRC intends resolutely to capitalize the political progress and the economic gains of these last years to impel, with the collaboration of its bi and multilateral partners, such as the ADB, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, a sustainable revival of its economy.
« The Government of our country is pleased that these projects are in line with the Country Strategy Paper, extended until 2020, pending the finalization of its National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD), on which will be able to rest the constitution of the 15th ADF. « Concluded the Minister of Finance.
As a reminder, the cooperation between the ADB and the RDC dates back to 1973. Since then, projects in the DRC have been evaluated at a total amount of US $ 6.4 billion.
Eric TSHIKUMA