The Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC) has reached a major milestone in the fight for environmental preservation and sustainable development financing in Central Africa. Meeting in Brazzaville on the sidelines of the 61st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank, the subregional institution announced the mobilization of more than USD 3 billion, alongside over USD 7 billion in guarantees, for the Congo Basin Blue Fund (F2BC).
Historic financial mobilization for the Congo Basin
This strategic initiative aims to finance the first large-scale projects dedicated to protecting the Congo Basin, regarded as the world’s second-largest ecological lung after the Amazon rainforest. Managed by the BDEAC and supported by the 17 member states of the Congo Basin Climate Commission, the Blue Fund is emerging as a key instrument for balancing economic development, financial inclusion and the preservation of natural resources.
Denis Sassou-Nguesso welcomes a major breakthrough
The official announcement was made on 26 May in Brazzaville by the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, following the first roundtable dedicated to mobilizing international donors. The Congolese Head of State praised the strong commitment of regional and international partners, describing it as the start of a new era for African climate cooperation and for the sustainable protection of communities living in the Congo River Basin.
BDEAC strengthens its regional leadership
The President of the BDEAC, Dieudonné Evou Mekou, recalled that this mobilization is part of the Bank’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, known as “Azobé,” aimed at transforming the institution into a major player in sustainable development financing and regional integration. He announced a direct contribution of USD 600 million from the BDEAC to the Blue Fund’s treasury. Other partners followed suit:
- World Bank Group: USD 1 billion
- African Development Bank: an initial package of USD 250 million
Governance praised by international partners
The success of the fundraising effort has been attributed to improvements in the governance of the BDEAC. Thanks to modernized management practices and a stable financial rating from Moody’s, the Bank has strengthened its credibility among investors and international partners. The Brazzaville meeting brought together several African heads of state and government, including Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Faustin-Archange Touadéra, underlining the strategic importance of the project for the continent.
An institutional framework already in place
The Blue Fund’s governance rests on a structured architecture. At the top sits the Conference of Heads of State of the Congo Basin Climate Commission, followed by the General Assembly of Financiers, which brings together member states and funding partners. The Executive Committee, currently chaired by the Congolese Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio, Christian Yoka, will oversee operational implementation, supported by a permanent secretariat of internationally recruited experts.
First financing expected before the end of 2026
Before the close of the meeting, Denis Sassou-Nguesso stressed the importance of rapidly operationalizing the first F2BC programs, setting the objective of launching the first projects before the end of 2026. This exceptional mobilization marks a decisive turning point for Central Africa, which now aims to turn the Congo Basin into a global model for sustainable development, climate resilience and regional cooperation.
