CAR, AfDB launch $121M cross-border water infrastructure programme with DRC
(photo credit: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
The Central African Republic (CAR) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have officially launched the Regional Support Programme for the Development of Cross-Border Water Infrastructure and Resources (PREDIRE) with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The $121 million initiative will run from November 2024 to November 2029, aiming to transform the socioeconomic conditions of communities along the Ubangui Basin while enhancing regional integration.
The launch ceremony in Bangui on 5 August 2025 was co-chaired by Minister of Energy and Water Resource Development Bertrand Arthur Piri and Mamady Souaré, AfDB Country Manager for CAR. It was attended by senior government officials, local authorities, technical and financial partners, and civil society representatives.
Water–food security–climate nexus
PREDIRE is designed to ensure equitable access to clean water, sanitation, and food security while addressing climate challenges. Its first sub-programme will upgrade the hydrological information system in the Ubangui Basin, prepare for future infrastructure investments, and build climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
A second sub-programme, still in preparation, will finance water collection infrastructure for agricultural transformation in the DRC, improve river navigation across the Ubangui and Congo rivers, and implement climate resilience measures for vulnerable communities.
Infrastructure and impact
In CAR, the project will deliver:
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A new raw water pumping station (6,500 m³/hour)
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A matching-capacity water treatment plant
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A 50,000 m³ storage facility
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208 km of extended distribution network
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15,000 new social water connections
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New headquarters for the Central African Water Distribution Company (SODECA)
Covering Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Ubangi, and Mongala provinces in the DRC, as well as Greater Bangui in CAR, the programme will directly benefit 2.4 million people—51% women, 71% youth—with 69% living in absolute poverty.
The project will create 3,400 jobs (1,200 permanent) through construction, entrepreneurship training, water services, and navigation improvements. A dedicated resilience and social cohesion programme will benefit 25,000 people in collaboration with the UNHCR.
Strengthening governance
PREDIRE will enhance the capacity of over 1,300 stakeholders, including national and regional institutions such as CICOS and ECCAS, in integrated water resource management. All targeted women will receive skills training to support sustainable management of shared resources.
“100% of the financing is dedicated to combating climate change, making this a flagship project in the Bank’s climate portfolio,” said Mamady Souaré.
