By Abbas Nazil
The African Development Bank Group has presented its flagship agricultural transformation initiative at the inaugural Congo Agricultural Fair, marking a major step in efforts to modernise the country’s farming sector and boost food security.
The historic fair, running from February 5 to 15, 2026 in Bambou-Mingali, about 60 kilometres from Brazzaville, is bringing together farmers, investors, government officials, development partners and the general public to explore opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
At the centre of the Bank’s participation is the $80.2 million Integrated Agricultural Value Chains Development Project, known as PRODIVAC, which aims to strengthen productivity, processing capacity and market access across key agricultural commodities.
The event is aligned with the Congolese government’s vision to make agriculture a driving force for economic diversification, job creation and national food sovereignty.
Under the theme “Land for progress, work for unity,” the fair features exhibitions of crops and livestock, demonstrations of modern farming equipment, irrigation technologies and improved crop management practices, as well as seminars highlighting Congo’s agricultural potential.
PRODIVAC supports priority value chains including maize, cassava and soy, focusing on empowering farmers, cooperatives and small agribusinesses while creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
Visitors to the PRODIVAC stand are being introduced to early project成果 such as farmer training programmes, distribution of labour-saving equipment and access to improved seeds designed to increase yields and resilience.
Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the African Development Bank for Central Africa, said the fair reflects a strong national commitment to transforming agriculture into an engine of inclusive growth and food security.
He explained that the Bank’s investment is helping to establish sustainable value chains that link production to processing and markets, ensuring real economic benefits for rural communities.
According to Bassolé, the tangible results displayed at the fair demonstrate the impact of the Bank’s partnership with the Congolese government in building a modern agricultural economy.
PRODIVAC Project Coordinator Marcel Dieudonné Nzemba emphasised that agricultural transformation requires long-term commitment and coordinated action among stakeholders.
He noted that the project is delivering practical and sustainable solutions that align with national priorities and the African Development Bank’s broader development goals.
Nzemba also stressed the importance of integrated approaches that combine infrastructure, skills development, financing and market access to achieve lasting progress.
The fair is serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, investment promotion and collaboration between the public and private sectors in Congo’s agricultural landscape.
Participants are engaging directly with innovative technologies and success stories that highlight how modern practices can improve productivity and rural livelihoods.
By showcasing PRODIVAC’s progress at this landmark event, the African Development Bank is reinforcing its commitment to supporting agricultural transformation as a pathway to economic resilience and inclusive development in Congo.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening local food systems, reducing dependence on imports and expanding income opportunities across rural communities.
As Congo looks to position agriculture at the heart of its development strategy, partnerships like PRODIVAC are emerging as critical tools for unlocking the sector’s full potential and securing sustainable growth for the future.