The Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI) welcomed, on 14 April 2026, a delegation of senior officials from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), marking a strategic milestone in strengthening scientific cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Kingdom.
Held at the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques (ISTA), the visit was part of a broader effort to consolidate scientific partnerships in the Congo Basin. It provided CBSI with an opportunity to highlight its central role as an integrative platform linking research, public policy, and innovation.
During the visit, members of the delegation—notably Professor Dennis Novy, Principal Economist and Director of Analysis at the UK Foreign Office; Ms Selena McGuinness, Head of the “Green Growth, Climate and Trade” Team at the British Embassy in Kinshasa; Mr Amaan Manji, Deputy Economist for “Growth, Development and Sub-Saharan Africa”; and Christian Tembue, Programme Officer for the “Green Growth” programme—were able to learn about CBSI’s priority areas, particularly in climate, hydrology and water resources, forests and biodiversity, and socio-ecological systems.
Discussions focused on CBSI’s impact mechanisms, particularly the link between data collection (inputs) and the use and dissemination of research results (outputs) to support public policies and local communities. CBSI relies on partnerships with state and non-state actors as well as the private sector for the collection, harmonisation, and use of scientific data through its observatories.
Associated technical structures, notably the Congo Basin Water Resources Research Centre (CRREBaC) and the Regional Water School (ERE), contributed to scientific demonstrations and technical exchanges, illustrating the operational depth of the framework led by CBSI.
The discussions held with visitors, researchers, and students helped identify concrete opportunities for collaboration, particularly in joint research, funding, and training of young researchers. Through this visit, CBSI reaffirmed its position as a regional hub of scientific excellence, capable of mobilising international partnerships to produce high-impact research in support of sustainable development.
Novy and CBSI secretariat member Pachris.
