DRC and Brazil in first-ever multisectoral talks to tackle domestic and international challenges

Africa, Business, Politics

AFRICA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Brazil held their first-ever multisectoral consultations on Tuesday, March 17, in Brasília, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the East African nation and its South American counterpart.

The DRC delegation was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, who co-chaired the meeting alongside Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East.

According to a statement from Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultations are expected to usher in a new phase of cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, trade, and training. Discussions also touched on major multilateral issues such as climate change, global governance, and collaboration within ZOPACAS (Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic). Officials described the talks as a reflection of a strengthened dynamic aimed at building a strategic partnership between the two countries.

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The meeting comes at a time when Congo is increasingly looking outward to address multidimensional challenges at home. Beyond economic development, the country continues to grapple with insecurity in the Kivu region, where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have kept government forces under pressure. By deepening ties with Brazil, Congolese officials hope to diversify partnerships and bolster resilience against both domestic and international challenges.