The World Bank Group has approved the Sustainable Congo Basin Forest Economies Program (SCBFEP), a new $394.83 million operation funded by the International Development Association (IDA) to transform forest economies in Central Africa. Phase 1 of the program will improve forest management, strengthen forest value chains, and create 220,000 jobs across the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of Congo. This phase is part of a broader $1.02 billion multi-phase initiative aimed at unlocking economic, climate, and livelihood benefits from the Congo Basin, demonstrating that sustainable development and forest stewardship can work hand in hand.
The program goes beyond conservation to build economic conditions that make forest stewardship sustainable, focusing on marginalized communities, indigenous peoples, and forest-dependent populations. Nearly 8 million hectares will be placed under sustainable management, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17.6 million tCO2e and increasing legally processed wood by 15%. It will support community forest enterprises, agroforestry systems, and SME processing zones, with over 500 SMEs and 20,000 people—including 40% women—receiving training, financing, and infrastructure support. More than 7,000 youth will also be supported in entrepreneurship, creating tangible jobs and opportunities for the 60 million people living in and around the Congo Basin.
The program emphasizes a strong regional approach by coordinating investments across the three participating countries and leveraging 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. By improving regional collaboration and governance, the initiative aims to raise wood trade standards and provide a platform for learning and shared management across the Basin.
SCBFEP aligns with the Global Challenge Program on Forests for Development, Climate, and Biodiversity, supporting national development strategies, regional commitments, and climate objectives. It also has strong potential to expand carbon market opportunities and attract long-term private sector investment in sustainable forestry, offering a replicable model that integrates job creation, shared prosperity, and sustainable forest economies.
