The Minister of State for Hydrocarbons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Acacia Bandubola Mbongo, recently held a strategic meeting with a delegation from the African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO). Led by Karrol Kadiata, President of APPO's Executive Council, and Zakaria Dosso, General Director of AEICORP, the discussions focused on key issues, including the DR Congo's involvement in launching the African Energy Bank (AEB) and strengthening partnerships between AEICORP and SONAHYDROC.
During the meeting, Bandubola Mbongo and the APPO delegation explored three major areas of cooperation. These included the DR Congo's active participation in the imminent launch of the African Energy Bank, which aims to finance over 90% of the continent's oil and gas projects. The discussions also touched on reinforcing partnerships between AEICORP and SONAHYDROC, as well as restructuring the APPO Secretariat.
As the current Vice-President of APPO, Bandubola Mbongo is poised to make history by becoming the organization's first female president. Her election is scheduled to take place during the next ordinary session of the Council of Ministers on November 17, 2026. According to Karrol Kadiata, this marks a significant milestone, with Bandubola Mbongo set to become the first woman to hold the position.
The African Energy Bank is being established to address the challenge of financing hydrocarbon projects. With an initial capital of $5 billion, the bank aims to support the continent's energy sector. The DR Congo must complete two key steps to become a founding member before the bank's official launch by the end of the year: ratifying the founding treaty and releasing its contribution to the social capital.
The DR Congo's involvement in the African Energy Bank and APPO underscores its growing importance in Africa's energy landscape. Zakaria Dosso, General Director of AEICORP, emphasized the need for Africans to take charge of their energy industry. By joining the bank and preparing to lead APPO, the DR Congo solidifies its position as a key player in the continent's energy sector.
The DR Congo's participation in the African Energy Bank and APPO has significant implications for the country's energy future. As the country prepares to take on a leadership role in the organization, it is also poised to benefit from increased investment in its energy sector. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and energy security.
With Bandubola Mbongo set to lead APPO, the organization is expected to strengthen its focus on African energy issues. The DR Congo's involvement in the African Energy Bank and APPO reflects its commitment to playing a leading role in shaping the continent's energy future.
Key points
- The DR Congo is set to become a founding member of the African Energy Bank.
- Acacia Bandubola Mbongo will be the first female president of APPO.
- The African Energy Bank aims to finance over 90% of the continent's oil and gas projects.
