Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Options for road infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
GCA and its partners are convening a stakeholder consultation workshop to present findings from the climate risk assessment and proposed adaptation strategies for the RN2 corridor.
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is supporting the World Bank’s DRC Transport and Connectivity Development Project, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening transport and digital connectivity between the Kasai region and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A central component of this effort is the upgrade of National Road 2 (RN2) into a dual carriageway, unlocking access to strategic value chains in agriculture, green minerals, and forestry to help diversify and grow the national economy.
GCA’s support is focused on Phase II of the project—a 400 km segment connecting Mbanga, Kasongo, and Penemwanga—designed with advanced climate-resilient features that can be scaled to Phases I and III. This phase adopts a “dig once” strategy, embedding essential infrastructure for internet, water, and energy beneath the roadway. Reconnecting these critical urban and rural areas is expected to enhance livelihoods, reduce social exclusion, foster national cohesion, and contribute to long-term peacebuilding.
To advance this work, GCA and its partners are convening a stakeholder consultation workshop to present findings from the climate risk assessment and proposed adaptation strategies for the RN2 corridor. Discussions will explore the results of infrastructure climate stress tests, address issues such as road-induced deforestation, and evaluate a spectrum of adaptation options—from engineered solutions to nature-based interventions like forest conservation.
Objectives of the Consultation:
- Share results of the climate risk and resilience assessments for the road corridor.
- Validate socioeconomic assumptions through stakeholder input.
- Discuss and refine proposed adaptation strategies to ensure they are locally appropriate and sustainable.
- Foster collaboration among national and local actors to integrate climate resilience into road infrastructure planning and policy.
This consultation marks a pivotal opportunity for stakeholders to shape the climate-resilient future of a key economic artery in the DRC, ensuring it supports inclusive development and long-term sustainability.
