The Central African Republic (CAR) and the African Development Bank Group have officially launched the second phase of the Support Programme for Reconstruction of Grassroots Communities (PARCB-2), a landmark initiative focused on rebuilding livelihoods, fostering social cohesion, and driving sustainable economic recovery in regions affected by the country’s political and military crisis.
President Faustin Archange Touadéra marked the symbolic beginning of PARCB-2 by laying the foundation stone for a new teaching facility at the Faculty of Economics and Management at the University of Bangui. The event underscored the government’s and the Bank’s shared vision of investing in human capital and long-term national reconstruction.
Representing the African Development Bank Group, Country Programme Manager Boye Kissagne emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the Bank’s development strategy for CAR, noting that the country’s young population offers tremendous potential for innovation and growth.
Approved for a total of $113 million, PARCB-2 builds upon the achievements of earlier phases and expands its reach to additional administrative areas, including Ouaka, Haute-Kotto, and Basse-Kotto. The programme aims to stimulate job creation and entrepreneurship through institutional capacity strengthening, especially in agriculture, livestock, crafts, and mining. It supports key value chains such as poultry, fish farming, beekeeping, and dairy production, providing national structures with the tools needed to enhance local governance and ensure sustainability of on-the-ground initiatives.
An allocation of $8 million is dedicated to climate finance, reinforcing community resilience and adaptation to the growing impacts of climate change.
PARCB-2 is expected to directly benefit around 800,000 people across target regions, with women representing 51% of beneficiaries. The programme will also provide vocational training and employment support for nearly 5,000 unemployed young people aged 15 to 25, helping them integrate economically and socially. Additionally, surrounding communities, local service providers, and microfinance institutions will gain from the programme’s extensive reach and development initiatives.
By launching PARCB-2, the African Development Bank and the Central African Republic reaffirm their joint commitment to advancing stability, resilience, and inclusive development — paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Central Africans.
