On October 7, 2026, in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the new representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) presented his credentials to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. According to a communiqué, Ibrahim Abdoul Nasser, the new FAO representative, met with Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to formally introduce himself. This meeting marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of cooperation between the DR Congo and the FAO.
During the meeting, Minister Wagner and Representative Nasser discussed the organization's role in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in the DR Congo. The FAO has been working closely with the Congolese government to address pressing issues related to food production, rural development, and natural resource management. As part of this effort, the two officials reviewed the organization's ongoing projects and initiatives in the country.
A key development during the meeting was the signing of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029 between the DR Congo and the FAO. This framework outlines the organization's strategic priorities and objectives in the country, focusing on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. By aligning with the government's priorities, the CPF aims to enhance cooperation and mobilize additional resources to support the country's development goals.
The CPF is built around the concept of "la revanche du sol sur le sous-sol," which emphasizes the importance of harnessing the country's agricultural potential to drive economic growth and development. This approach recognizes the significant opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, which is critical to improving food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development.
Representative Nasser emphasized the FAO's commitment to supporting the DR Congo in achieving its development objectives. He highlighted the organization's expertise in areas such as agricultural productivity, rural development, and climate change mitigation. By working together, the FAO and the DR Congo aim to make significant progress in addressing the country's pressing development challenges.
Minister Wagner welcomed the FAO's support and reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, international organizations, and local stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing the country. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation between the DR Congo and the FAO.
The presentation of credentials by Representative Nasser and the signing of the CPF mark a new chapter in the FAO's engagement with the DR Congo. As the organization continues to support the country's development efforts, it is expected that these initiatives will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Congolese people. The FAO's work in the DR Congo is critical to promoting sustainable development, improving food security, and enhancing the well-being of the country's population.
Key points
- The new FAO Representative in DR Congo, Ibrahim Abdoul Nasser, presented his credentials to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner on October 7, 2026.
