DRC's alignment with the SDGs: learning from the CLEWs model

This report presents preliminary insights from the application of the Climate–Land–Energy–Water Systems (CLEWs) framework to assess the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) alignment with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using an integrated modeling approach implemented through OSeMOSYS, the analysis explores interactions between energy access, land use, water management, and climate objectives under a Business-as-Usual (BAU) baseline and two alternative policy scenarios: Renewable Energy Roll-out (RER) and Irrigation for Crop Production (ICP).

Results indicate that under BAU conditions, cropland expansion for staple crops competes directly with forest land, while continued reliance on fossil fuel and biomass-based energy undermines climate and forest-related SDGs. The RER scenario demonstrates that expanding renewable electricity access, particularly hydropower, can reduce system costs and emissions while advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The ICP scenario shows that increased agricultural productivity through irrigation and improved water management can enhance food security (SDG 2) without further forest conversion, supporting SDGs 13 and 15. Overall, the CLEWs model highlights the importance of integrated planning to manage trade-offs and exploit synergies across sectors.