Economic relations

Economic relations between France and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain limited with regard to the country’s potential. The security or condition of infrastructures, which generate cost overruns, can explain this situation in certain provinces. But the leading cause of this situation is economic governance, which remains inadequate. It will have to be improved to develop a network of French companies that could support the development of the DRC.

Sustainable Economic Development

At the heart of the second green lung and the second river basin on the planet, France plays a role in the implementation of sustainable management of the environment. Accordingly, the French Development Agency (AFD) supports governments, NGOs and businesses in their initiatives to protect diversity and to combat global warming and deforestation. To this end, it is implementing a 5 million euro fund.

Through support for the microfinance institutions present in the DRC and the Central Bank of the Congo, the AFD favours the Congolese people’s access to basic financial services.

The AFD is also providing 8 million euros to finance the creation of 19 potable water distribution networks serving 4 million inhabitants of the regions surrounding Kinshasa and the towns of the Lower Congo.

A Social Development Fund project facilitates the social integration of young people; another one in the making is expected to promote people’s initiatives in urban areas. In addition, this initiative has made it possible to finance small community infrastructures and vocational centres.

Updated on 06.06.11