World Bank Launches $394.83 Million Initiative to Transform Congo Basin Forest Economies

Washington, D.C. – April 2, 2026 – The World Bank Group has approved a $394.83 million initiative, the Sustainable Congo Basin Forest Economies Program (SCBFEP), designed to transform forest economies in Central Africa. Phase 1 of the program, funded by the International Development Association (IDA), will focus on improving forest management, strengthening forest value chains and generating 220,000 jobs across the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Republic of Congo (RoC). World Bank

A Shift Beyond Conservation

This first phase represents a $1.02 billion multi-phase program aimed at unlocking the economic, climate, and livelihood benefits of the world’s second-largest tropical forest biome. The SCBFEP marks a departure from traditional conservation-only approaches, focusing instead on building the economic conditions necessary for sustainable forest stewardship. World Bank

Focus on Communities and Sustainable Management

Marginalized communities, indigenous peoples, and forest-dependent communities are central to the program’s design. Nearly 8 million hectares will be placed under sustainable management during the initial phase. The program aims to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17.6 million tCO2e and increase the share of legally processed wood by 15%. Funds for NGOs

Supporting SMEs and Entrepreneurship

The SCBFEP will provide support to over 500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and 20,000 individuals – with 40% being women – through training, finance, and value chain infrastructure development. The program will support over 7,000 youth in entrepreneurship, creating economic opportunities for the approximately 60 million people living in and around the Congo Basin. African News Page

Regional Collaboration and Governance

The program emphasizes a regional approach, coordinating investments across Cameroon, CAR, and RoC. It will leverage institutions like the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) to harmonize policies and strengthen cross-border governance, aiming to raise wood trade standards and foster shared management practices throughout the Basin. Funds for NGOs

Key Takeaways

• The SCBFEP is a $394.83 million initiative to transform forest economies in Cameroon, CAR, and RoC.
• The program aims to generate 220,000 jobs and place 8 million hectares under sustainable management.
• It focuses on supporting SMEs, empowering women, and fostering youth entrepreneurship.
• The initiative emphasizes regional collaboration and improved governance.

The Sustainable Congo Basin Forest Economies Program represents a significant investment in the future of the region, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable economic development and forest stewardship.