By Faridat Salifu
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has spotlighted its $80.2 million Integrated Agricultural Value Chains Development Project (PRODIVAC) at the inaugural Congo Agricultural Fair.
The fair, which highlighted efforts to modernise the country’s agriculture, boost productivity, and create jobs, was held in February 2026 under the theme “Land for progress, work for unity.”
It brings together government representatives, investors, producers, technical partners, and the public to showcase Congo’s agricultural potential.
Exhibitions feature plant and animal products, demonstrations of modern technologies including mechanisation and irrigation, and seminars on crop management and market access.
PRODIVAC supports priority value chains maize, cassava, and soy while providing equipment, seeds, and training to farmers, cooperatives, and agri-food SMEs.
The project particularly targets youth and women, aiming to reduce labour burdens, improve yields, and strengthen local processing.
“The Congo Agricultural Fair demonstrates a clear ambition: to make agriculture an engine of food sovereignty, job creation, and inclusive growth,” said Léandre Bassolé, AfDB Director General for Central Africa.
“Through PRODIVAC, we are building structural value chains from production to processing, benefiting producers, young people, and women. The results on display reflect the real impact of our collaboration with the Congolese government.”
Marcel Dieudonné Nzemba, PRODIVAC project coordinator, emphasised that agricultural transformation is a long-term endeavour requiring integrated, partnership-based approaches. “PRODIVAC provides sustainable solutions aligned with national priorities and AfDB objectives, helping to ensure lasting improvements for Congo’s agricultural sector,” he said.
The fair underscores the country’s commitment to turning agriculture into a pillar of economic development, food security, and job creation, showcasing tangible results from initiatives that empower farmers, strengthen value chains, and attract investment to the sector.
