African Development Bank Gifts Artwork to Congo Museum

Culture Minister Bahamboula welcomed the donation and assured the Bank Group that the artwork would be preserved under appropriate security conditions within the museum's collection.

The African Development Bank Group has presented a special artwork to the National Museum of Congo, marking its appreciation for the country's hospitality during the Bank's 2026 Annual Meetings and celebrating Africa's rich cultural identity.

The painting was officially handed over during Africa Day celebrations held alongside the Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, which took place from 25 to 29 May. The event brought together government officials, cultural leaders and representatives of the Bank Group to highlight the importance of preserving and promoting Africa's artistic heritage.

Created by Congolese artist Derinck Mayk, the large-scale artwork titled "Africa Marching Towards the Future" measures 1.90 metres by 1.40 metres and was produced using natural materials, including coffee-based pigments. The piece combines symbolism and public participation, reflecting both the continent's history and its aspirations for the future.

Artwork reflects resilience, strength and shared identity

At the centre of the painting is an elephant, a figure chosen to represent strength, wisdom and resilience. The artist used the image to capture qualities often associated with the people of Congo while also reflecting values shared across many African societies. The artwork contains words and expressions collected from participants and members of the public during the Africa Day celebrations. These contributions were incorporated into the design to create a visual representation of how Africans describe their continent, its people and its future.

The handover ceremony was conducted by Chioma Onukogu on behalf of the African Development Bank Group's Secretary General. The event was attended by Congo's Minister of Culture, Prince Bertrand Bahamboula, Managing Director of SEDIC SA Myriam Bénédicte Denguet Atticky, and the Bank Group's Director General for Central Africa, Léandre Bassolé.

Speaking during the ceremony, Onukogu said the gift was intended as a symbol of gratitude from the Bank Group and a reminder of the successful collaboration between the institution and the Republic of Congo during the Annual Meetings.

Museum visit highlights Africa's cultural wealth

Before the presentation, members of the Bank delegation toured the National Museum of Congo and explored its extensive collections celebrating African history, music and artistic traditions. Guided by museum officials, visitors viewed exhibits featuring Congolese and Central African cultural artefacts alongside works representing other regions of the continent. The collection includes a wide range of traditional musical instruments such as koras, balafons, royal drums and handcrafted guitars, offering a glimpse into Africa's diverse creative heritage.

Culture Minister Bahamboula welcomed the donation and assured the Bank Group that the artwork would be preserved under appropriate security conditions within the museum's collection. The gift stands as a lasting reminder of the partnership between the African Development Bank Group and Congo while reinforcing the institution's support for cultural preservation and the promotion of African creativity. Through initiatives such as this, the Bank continues to highlight the role of culture as an important part of Africa's development story and shared identity.