Congo Republic Exploring Debt-for-Nature Swap to Boost Economic Sustainability
He explained that the government is engaging with partners who could provide credit enhancements, although the specific value of the deal has not yet been determined
The Republic of Congo is in discussions with European partners over a potential debt-for-nature swap, the country’s Finance Minister Christian Yoka revealed on Wednesday
Speaking from Belem, Brazil, where he is attending the COP30 climate conference, Yoka said the initiative aims to make the country’s debt more sustainable while supporting environmental conservation efforts
He explained that the government is engaging with partners who could provide credit enhancements, although the specific value of the deal has not yet been determined
Yoka added that the idea of a debt-for-nature swap “resonates clearly” for Congo, home to a significant portion of the Congo Basin the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, spanning six countries
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The proposed swap would see part of Congo’s debt forgiven in exchange for commitments to protect and sustainably manage its vast natural resources
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
