It was with justifiable pride that Mr. Olivier Mazianda Lusambo of the School of Criminology at the University of Kinshasa represented the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 4th General Assembly of the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP) in Yokohama, Japan. His participation, appointed by the government, marks a turning point for the country's environmental policy.

During this conference, which brought together 49 countries, high-level experts, and prestigious international institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank, Mr. Mazianda was able to carry the voice of the DRC. He not only presented the current status of environmental reform, but also highlighted the Congolese model and the specific challenges linked to the country's socio-demographic context. His pleadings emphasized the DRC's ambitious vision for 2030, focused on more efficient and sustainable waste management.

These diplomatic and technical efforts were successful: the DRC was made eligible for a $20 million fund, known as the “facilitation fund.” This fund, established by the donors present, is intended to support the creation of waste management projects across Africa, a valuable opportunity for the country.

Beyond this meeting, Mr. Mazianda actively participated in TICAD 9, a major event for relations between Africa and Japan. At the DRC stand, he met with several Japanese companies specializing in waste management. These fruitful discussions are expected to continue shortly in Kinshasa, where these companies are expected to hold in-depth discussions with the Congolese authorities.

Mr. Mazianda's presence in Yokohama perfectly illustrates the university's mission to serve the community. His expertise, put to the service of the nation, is not limited to theory. It materializes into concrete and promising results, paving the way for practical solutions and international partnerships essential for the future of the DRC.

Eligibility for this fund and the contacts established in Japan are eloquent proof that sharp and committed expertise can transform national challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. Mr. Mazianda's success is a source of inspiration for all Congolese experts, demonstrating that participation on the international stage is a powerful lever for the country's progress.