Central African Republic

The Central African Government is going to undertake development actions in secondary cities, with support from its local partners who will help it define the needs and priorities. This approach will show that the State is taking action for populations in traditionally more neglected areas who sometimes feel they have been abandoned by the central authorities. 

Promoting access to basic services

Disparities in access to essential services between urban and rural areas hinder the balanced development of the country. AFD supports basic education and vocational training. We also support the State’s decentralized services and technical services for water and electricity supply.

Improving infrastructure coverage 

There is a need to build or rebuild community infrastructure in order to anticipate the return of displaced populations in crisis-affected areas. AFD finances electrical and road infrastructure, market facilities and local urban services (drinking water, sanitation, street lighting) and access roads (rural roads) to open up the most remote areas. 

Supporting dialogue and cohesion between farmers and herders

AFD supports the peaceful coexistence of agricultural and pastoral activities, in relation to the return of displaced persons and refugees from neighboring Cameroon or Chad in outlying areas. These operations are based on dialogue and aim to secure transhumance corridors and the provision of services for sedentary populations and herders.

The distress of populations faced with the weak governance of their central administrations (no provision of public services, policies for the predation and capture of resources) was at the heart of the crisis. In this context, AFD supports actors who legitimately govern territories, close to the realities in the field and populations. Our objective: renew the social contract between the State and the population by focusing on strengthening governance and redeploying the administration, particularly at local level.

Strengthening public service institutions 

In addition to support to actors at central level, AFD assists the State’s devolved or decentralized technical services in carrying out their functions of producing services for populations. We operate through both intangible support (training, organization of teams and work, information management) and tangible support (construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure, equipment).

Supporting civil society as an actor of change

AFD supports civil society organizations in order to promote change and enhance the accountability and transparency of public action.

Nationwide, young women and men are seeking opportunities for a better future. The 36% fall in GDP caused by the crisis has weakened an economic system which was already very weak and incapable of providing activities and jobs to most of the population. AFD contributes to providing greater socioeconomic opportunities, particularly for youth.

Strengthening youth employability and integration 

It is necessary to set up basic post-education training services and develop vocational training in order to improve the Central African Republic’s human capital. AFD implements its activities in high-potential and job-creating productive sectors, with the aim of creating opportunities for the beneficiaries of training. Our actions also focus on provision by working with companies: apprenticeship, intermediation between supply and demand on the labor market, public employment services and support for project initiators and young entrepreneurs.

Supporting subsistence farming

In the sector of agricultural, market gardening and food production activities, our support focuses on training and advice, access to inputs, irrigation, storage, as well as the development and marketing of agricultural products. In this respect, we seek coordination with actions to improve access: rehabilitation or creation of roads and rural roads.

Strengthening local governance and the emergence of an accessible financial sector 

AFD aims to strengthen the organization of chambers of commerce and agriculture. We improve economic governance by facilitating the development of financial services. We support microfinance institutions which contribute to increasing the range of financing for small businesses and microenterprises.