European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, revealed that the European Union would be backing the recently launched Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This ambitious move by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is intended to create a sustainable 2,600 km corridor covering 540,000 square kilometers that can be dedicated to economic growth and environmental protection. The initiative connects the Eastern DRC to Kinshasa and the Atlantic Coast and will drive inclusive economic growth, protecting the biodiversity of the country.
A Lifeline for Green Economic Transformation
European Commissioner Síkela emphasized the transformative nature of the Green Corridor, calling it more than a transport infrastructure project. He described it as a vital pathway for green economic transformation in the DRC.
He said, “The Green Corridor is more than just transport infrastructure. It is a lifeline for green economic transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is what the Global Gateway is about: by connecting communities in partner countries, empowering local producers, fostering environmental protection and improving security, this initiative lays the foundation for a greener and more prosperous future.”
Strategic Objectives of the Green Corridor
The Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa focuses on three main goals. It enhances connectivity by linking Eastern and Western DRC, facilitating commodity transport and unlocking development opportunities. It supports biodiversity and human rights through strengthening the agricultural value chain, working directly with smallholder farmers to encourage agroecological practices that enhance livelihoods and biodiversity. Further, it will help to establish community reserves that guarantee free, prior, and informed consent to economic and conservation decisions of the local communities.
Ambitious Targets for Economic and Environmental Impact
The Green Corridor, once fully operational, will transport over one million tons of agricultural products annually from the Kivu region to Kinshasa, while enabling goods to flow back from the capital to the East. Positioned within strategic continental routes—Corridor 6 (Douala to Kampala) and Corridor 8 (Mombasa to Kisangani)—the project enjoys joint backing from the African Union and the European Union.
The corridor will focus on high ESG investments, trade support, and policy to foster sustainable value chains and a circular economy for long-term environmental and economic benefits. Additionally, critical ecosystems along the route will be mapped to ensure ecological preservation.
The Green Corridor will strengthen NaturAfrica’s work in Virunga, Yangambi, and Salonga/Mbandaka, focusing on conservation and sustainable development to balance nature and economic growth.
Also read: Guterres Urges Urgent Climate Action and AI Regulation at Davos, Criticizes Backsliding on Commitments
This is a singular opportunity for public-private partnerships in the DRC to take advantage of the prospects of green prosperity. Moreover, Green Corridor positions the DRC at the forefront globally as it looks into integrating renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation into an inclusive approach toward economic growth.
