The Democratic Republic of Congo recently concluded its second National Climate Week (SENAC 2), which took place from October 26 to 30, 2026. The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss the country's climate agenda and strategies for a sovereign carbon market. The theme of the conference was "The DRC at the Era of Carbon Markets: Climate Sovereignty, Opportunities for All, and Shared Prosperity." The discussions resulted in the adoption of the Kinshasa Declaration, which outlines fifteen commitments for a credible and transparent carbon market.
The Kinshasa Declaration emphasizes the importance of climate sovereignty, which refers to the state's ability to manage, valorize, and sell its carbon credits. The declaration also recommends finalizing the legal and institutional framework for the carbon market, strengthening control and certification mechanisms, and consolidating the national carbon registry, known as "Lumière." Furthermore, the declaration stresses the need for reliable data, measurement, reporting, and verification to guarantee the credibility of Congolese carbon credits.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has reaffirmed its commitment to using the country's natural resources as a driver of economic and social development. The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, represented the Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, at the closing ceremony. He emphasized the need to translate commitments into concrete actions and measurable results for the benefit of the population. Mukoko Samba also highlighted the importance of defending the country's interests at the next United Nations Climate Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.
The Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and New Climate Economy, Marie Nyange, also stressed the need for concrete actions to implement the recommendations formulated during SENAC 2. She emphasized the importance of involving local communities and indigenous peoples in the development of the carbon market. Nyange also highlighted four key orientations: the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples, accelerating the energy transition, strengthening the governance of natural capital, and consolidating climate diplomacy.
The SENAC 2 conference resulted in several key outcomes, including the adoption of the Kinshasa Declaration and a roadmap for implementing the commitments. The declaration outlines fifteen engagements to structure the new climate economy in the DRC. The government has also identified five priorities for the ministries and institutions concerned, including accelerating the operationalization of the legal and institutional framework for carbon markets.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) have signed a project document for the second component of the Kinshasa Supply Basin Support Program (PROBAK). The program aims to support the development of sustainable agricultural systems, agroforestry, and the restoration of degraded landscapes. The project will be implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and has a budget of $15 million.
The PROBAK program is expected to cover over 150,000 hectares and benefit nearly 183,000 people. The initiative aims to balance the improvement of living conditions, local economic development, and the preservation of forest ecosystems. The program is part of a national mechanism for environmental services payments developed with the support of CAFI.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has committed to establishing a credible and transparent carbon market, with fifteen engagements outlined in the Kinshasa Declaration.
- The government has identified five priorities for implementing the commitments, including accelerating the operationalization of the legal and institutional framework for carbon markets.
- The PROBAK program aims to support sustainable agricultural systems and forest conservation, with a budget of $30 million.
