The Republic of Congo has successfully issued the first batch of “green bonds,” amounting to $500 million, to finance environmental projects. This initiative, personally supported by President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, constitutes the largest ecological loan in the history of Central Africa.
The funds from the bond issuance will be allocated to three key projects: the expansion of the national park network, the creation of a network of solar power plants in rural areas, and the implementation of the “Smart Agriculture” program, which involves introducing climate-resilient technologies to small-scale farmers.
“This is a historic moment for our country,” declared the Finance Minister. “We are proving that environmental commitments can be a driver of economic development.”
The bonds have generated significant interest from international investors: over 70% of the securities were acquired by European and Asian funds specializing in sustainable investments. The international rating agency Moody’s assigned the issuance a B+ rating with a “green” label, reflecting the high quality of the project’s environmental standards.
The “Solar Villages” project has particularly captured attention: it plans to electrify 500 remote villages using autonomous solar power stations. This will not only provide residents with clean energy but also create around 3,000 jobs in equipment maintenance and repair.
Experts emphasize that the success of the “green bond” issuance strengthens the Congo’s financial reputation and opens access to new funding sources for implementing the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
“Congo is setting an example of how a developing country can use financial markets to solve environmental problems,” said a representative of the United Nations Environment Programme.
The next bond issuance is expected in 2027 to finance a mangrove forest restoration project in coastal areas.