From 21 to 30 April 2026, the President of ADRA International, Paulo Lopes, accompanied by Regional Director Africa Geoffrey Mbwana and Regional Director Finance Africa Dibden Chileya, paid a working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. For ten days, ADRA reaffirmed its determination to act on two essential fronts: humanitarian aid and development, for the benefit of the most vulnerable communities.

Strengthen institutional dialogue to amplify humanitarian impact

In order to maximize the effectiveness of humanitarian actions, Mr. Lopes met with OCHA Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis as well as several senior Congolese authorities: Her Excellency Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Her Excellency Ève Bazaiba, Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity; and His Excellency Muhindo Nzangi, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

The President of ADRA International, Paulo Lopes, meets with representatives of the Government of the DRC during a visit to ADRA's projects in the country. [Photo credit: Communication Cell of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DRC]

At the end of these exchanges, Mr. Lopes expressed his deep gratitude for the continued support of the Congolese government in the implementation of ADRA projects. He also encouraged stronger mobilization of ministries and the Presidency to advance advocacy with international donors to maintain and increase funding for humanitarian assistance.

These meetings resulted in commitments of support and renewed engagement in advocacy with financial partners. The mission helped to consolidate institutional cooperation and pave the way for enhanced support for ADRA initiatives. At the Presidency of the Republic, Lopes was received by the Senior Advisor to the Head of State at the College of Planning, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, who undertook to transmit this plea directly to the President of the DRC.

TUDIENZELE in Tshikapa: tangible results

The mission continued with a field visit of the TUDIENZELE project, funded by the US government and implemented by a consortium led by ADRA. TUDIENZELE aims to sustainably improve the food security, nutrition and economic well-being of vulnerable households.

In the Kamonia health zone, Lopes observed the progress of the construction of a bridge on a rehabilitated section of an agricultural feeder road linking Kamonia to Muamba. On site, the mission also highlighted the work of farmers' and fish farmers' organizations, which are strengthening production, marketing and access to resources.

Building a community water project with ADRA International in a rural area.
The President of ADRA International, Paul Lopes, visits the TUDIENZELE project in the DRC.
[Photo credit: Salvador Montes de Oca]

This ambitious program, which targets nearly one million participants, acts on several fronts:

  • Financial inclusion: creation of 2,000 VSLA groups and deployment of agricultural credit
  • Productivity: creation of 875 field farming schools, provision of quality seeds and dissemination of resilient agricultural practices.
  • Market access: rehabilitation of 150 km of agricultural roads, construction of markets and training of entrepreneurs.
  • Nutrition: promoting good practices through 320 care groups
  • Water and sanitation: construction or rehabilitation of 93 water points and implementation of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in 600 villages.
Community members gather near a water source in a rural area for water access and sanitation efforts.
Members of the local community participate in a rural water access project organized by ADRA International. [Photo credit: Salvador Montes de Oca]

ADRA in DRC: 40 years of action, 12.5 million lives changed

Present in 120 countries, ADRA has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1984. The organization's mission is to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability. Its programmes have already reached 12.5 million people through interventions in health, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), food security and agriculture, as well as financial inclusion and education.

Beyond these results, ADRA relies on a strong management structure that ensures full transparency to donors and effective project implementation. Its action spans 11 key provinces: Kinshasa, Kasaï, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika, Haut-Katanga, Kongo-Central, Ecuador, Tshopo, Lualaba and Tshuapa.

Through this mission, the organization continues to uphold a fundamental commitment to strengthening the dignity of vulnerable people and achieving sustainable solutions.

A key step for the future of ADRA's interventions in the DRC

At the end of the mission, Paulo Lopes' visit appears to be a crucial step in assessing the effectiveness of interventions, strengthening coordination and defining future directions in the DRC. This shows a strong determination to make results on the ground more visible and sustainable, and to continue to work with partners and authorities to build solutions tailored to the real needs of communities.