KINSHASA, 24 March 2026 (TATOLI) – A delegation from the g7+, led by Secretary-General Helder da Costa, met with Prince Leta Katumba, Chief of Staff to the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Coordination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with senior officials from the Ministry.
Prince Leta Katumba conveyed the Vice Prime Minister’s warm greetings and briefed the delegation on the Government’s ongoing implementation of the National Development Plan 2024–2028, including coordination with technical and financial partners. He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the g7+ in support of national development priorities.
The Secretary-General highlighted the DRC’s role as a founding member of the g7+ and commended the Ministry of Planning, as the focal ministry, for its leadership in advancing the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States at both national and global levels. He also noted that the DRC currently serves as Deputy Chair of the g7+ for the 2026–2027 term, while holding a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council—reflecting the country’s growing influence in global governance.
The delegation briefed the Ministry on recent g7+ initiatives, including the Rapid Advisory Response Centre, which provides legal and technical support to member states, particularly in complex negotiations related to natural resources.
Prince Leta Katumba welcomed the initiative and confirmed the Ministry’s interest in working with the g7+ Foundation to strengthen legal capacity and improve contract negotiations, especially in the management of natural resources.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between the Ministry of Planning and the g7+, particularly in advancing development planning, strengthening resource governance, promoting self-reliance, and enhancing peer learning among member states.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
