On 28 January, during a press conference, the ambassador and head of the European Union (EU) delegation to the Republic of Congo, Anne Marchal, launched the activities of her institution and presented, at the same time, the flagship projects to be carried out in partnership with the Congolese authorities during this year.
This conference, which was also attended by the Deputy Head of Delegation, Torben Nilson, the Head of Cooperation, Augustin Bondo Tshiani, the Deputy Head of Cooperation, Frederica Petrucci, as well as the Press and Communication Officer, Azaad Manté, was an opportunity for the EU team to review the various actions planned under the Global Gateway, a development-related offer that aims to help and support Congo through catalytic investments.
These include activities on economic diversification, energy, security, the environment, transport and engagement with youth. “Economic transformation and diversification are the flagship projects on which the EU intends to work to promote the emergence of value chains. Through support, both through investments and advice ,” said Augustin Bondo Tshiani.
Among the projects included in the EU’s programme of activities is the launch this year of the Friendship Loop project, which will consist of the installation of a 1,400 kilovolt power line to connect Kinshasa, Cabinda and Brazzaville from Pointe-Noire.
He added that three axes are also part of the Global Gateway, namely the forest with the new program to promote prosperity and the youth cohort project to support the engagement of young people. This project, whose pilot phase structuring in favor of this social class, will be launched at the end of February.
Regarding the governance and transparency component, which is currently the weak link for the Republic of Congo, Ambassador Anne Marchal mentioned the establishment of financial systems for the payment of installments and receivables. A way of establishing rigor in the awarding of contracts and the payment of installments. “Our action is now to support activities that take into account the needs and interests of the population ,” she said.
Speaking about the current socio-economic situation in the country, Anne Marchal welcomed the reminder to order made by the Head of State to the government. “We are aware that there are problems to be solved, but there is a glimmer of hope and awareness ,” she stressed. Still within the framework of partnership and support for civil society, the EU also intends to work more in collaboration with the media through the “Info Lisango” project launched in 2025.
The cherry on the cake of this press conference was the presentation of prizes to two winners of the competition for the best report on the environment, won by Tsiéleka television for the audiovisual report and Mucodec radio for the radio prize.
