AM 2026 - National Museum of Congo Receives Artwork Donation

9 June 2026
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African Development Bank (Abidjan)

The African Development Bank Group presented the National Museum of Congo with a painting by Congolese artist Derinck Mayk, during the celebration of Africa Day, organised on the sidelines of its 2026 Annual Meetings held from 25-29 May.

Measuring 1.90 metres by 1.40 metres, the artwork, titled "Africa Marching Towards the Future," was created using natural pigments such as coffee. It depicts an elephant--a symbol of strength, wisdom and resilience--embodying the values of the Congolese people. It also incorporates words and expressions describing Africa, gathered from speakers and the public during the Africa Day celebrations in Brazzaville.

The handover was carried out by Chioma Onukogu, on behalf of the Bank Group's Secretary General in the presence of the Congolese Minister of Culture, Prince Bertrand Bahamboula, and Myriam Bénédicte Denguet Atticky, Managing Director of the Société d'exploitation et de développement des infrastructures du Congo (SEDIC SA). Bank Group Director General for Central Africa, Léandre Bassolé, was also present.

"The President of the African Development Bank Group wished to present this artwork to the National Museum of Congo as a memento of your warm welcome and hospitality throughout the preparations for and the holding of the Annual Meetings. It is a testament to our collaboration and a gesture of thanks for your hospitality," said Onugoku.

"I would like to inform the Bank that the National Museum has adequate security and that all the works held there are permanently protected. Consequently, the work in question can be accommodated under the best possible conditions," Bahamboula responded.

The ceremony took place following a tour of the National Museum of Congo, during which the Bank' delegation discovered the richness of Africa's artistic heritage. Guided by the museum's curator, the visitors toured the collections showcasing works by Congolese, Central African and other African musicians, as well as a remarkable collection of African musical instruments, ranging from the kora and balafons to royal drums and traditional guitars.

The donation is a lasting testament to the Bank Group's collaboration with the Congo and its commitment to promoting Africa's cultural heritage.

Read the original article on African Development Bank (AfDB).

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