Launch of the Second Phase of the Support Programme for Reconstruction of Grassroots Communities (PARCB-2)
On October 22, 2025, the Central African Republic (CAR) and the African Development Bank Group officially launched the second phase of the Support Programme for Reconstruction of Grassroots Communities (PARCB-2). This initiative is a key project designed to enhance social cohesion, stimulate economic activity, and improve the living conditions of communities affected by the country’s prolonged political and military crisis.
During the launch event, CAR President Faustin Archange Touadéra symbolically laid the foundation stone for a teaching building at the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Bangui. This act marked the official commencement of PARCB-2. The program, implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank, highlights the shared commitment of the CAR government and the Bank Group to invest in human capital and the sustainable reconstruction of the country.
Boye Kissagne, Country Programme Manager for the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the importance of the program during his remarks on behalf of the Country Office Manager in CAR. “In its cooperation with the Central African Republic, the Bank Group wants to make best use of the advantages offered by the country’s young population. The Bank intends to work more with young people in the coming years,” he stated.
Program Objectives and Financial Allocation
Approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors for an amount of $113 million, PARCB-2 aims to build upon the achievements of previous phases, namely PARCB-1 and PARCB-1 Additional. The program will extend its geographical reach to new areas of the country, particularly the administrative zones of Ouaka, Haute-Kotto, and Basse-Kotto.
The initiative focuses on supporting employment and entrepreneurship through institutional capacity building. Key sectors targeted include agriculture and livestock, such as poultry farming, fish farming, beekeeping, and dairy production, as well as crafts and the mining industry. The goal is to equip national structures with the tools necessary for better local governance and the sustainability of field actions. An envelope of $8 million is allocated specifically for climate finance, aimed at strengthening community adaptation and resilience to climate change.
Impact and Beneficiaries
The second phase of the Support Programme for Reconstruction of Grassroots Communities is expected to directly benefit approximately 800,000 people living in the target regions, with 51% being women. Nearly 5,000 unemployed young people aged 15 to 25 will receive vocational training and support for their long-term economic and social integration. Additionally, the program will benefit surrounding communities, local service providers, and microfinance institutions involved in its implementation.
Commitment to Stability and Inclusive Development
PARCB-2 reaffirms the African Development Bank’s commitment to supporting the Central African Republic on the path to stability, resilience, and inclusive development. The program is a step toward a more prosperous and peaceful future for all Central Africans.
Key Areas of Focus
- Economic Revitalization: The program emphasizes the revival of economic activity through targeted investments in agriculture, livestock, and small-scale industries.
- Social Cohesion: By addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting inclusive growth, the program seeks to strengthen social ties within communities.
- Climate Resilience: A dedicated portion of the budget is allocated to climate-related initiatives, ensuring that communities are better prepared for environmental challenges.
Future Prospects
With the successful launch of PARCB-2, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the program across the targeted regions. The collaboration between the CAR government and the African Development Bank Group is expected to yield tangible results in the coming years, contributing to the long-term development and stability of the region.