📋 Tender Overview
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Central African Republic (CAR) have agreed to accelerate the preparation and implementation of the countrys priority investment portfolio after a nine-day dialogue mission to Bangui from 11 to 19 September 2026. AfDB officials met CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera, Prime Minister Felix Moloua and multiple ministers to review progress across projects in sectors including roads, energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, and air transport.
The discussions formed part of the AfDBs high-level operational dialogue with CAR authorities, as the Banks new 2026-2031 Country Strategy for CAR seeks to support the countrys economic transformation. Both sides also agreed on measures to strengthen monitoring and build the capacity of implementing bodies, particularly sectoral ministries and project management units, in procurement, disbursement and accountability.
Background and implementation focus
AfDB said the mission reviewed the project portfolio and identified steps needed to accelerate implementation. A central theme was reducing delays at the start of projects by improving preparation work and shortening start-up times, as well as strengthening capacity within ministries and project units.
The AfDB delegation also emphasized the need to address operational constraints that slow progress and affect timely disbursement. AfDB officials said sectoral meetings and regular discussions with government counterparts will provide ongoing momentum for priority activities.
Priority investments: Corridor 13 and Banguis airport modernization
The mission prioritized two flagship projects for connectivity and regional integration: the Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville-Bangui-NDjamena Multimodal Transport Corridor Development Project (CD13) and the Bangui-MPoko International Airport modernization and extension programme (PAMAB).
CD13, financed by the AfDB Group, is funded at 282 million. AfDB said the corridor will help CAR diversify access to regional markets through a second link to the port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo. According to AfDB, on-the-ground work on two components--including a 69-km Bossarangba-Mbaiki section and 4.5 km of urban roads in Mbaiki--was reported as 98% complete as of 31 August 2026, with solar-powered street lighting installed on the urban roads.
Despite the advanced progress, the mission noted delays linked to clearing the right-of-way, where compensation issues for affected communities slowed site access. AfDB leadership urged improved planning of compensation and related procedures so works are not held up. The project is also reported to include the development of a cardiology centre in Damara, around 25 km from Bangui; mission reporting indicated nearly 50% completion on the centres works, with the facility expected to strengthen specialist care and improve access to cardiology services nationwide once operational.
Airport upgrade aimed at international certification
The mission also assessed progress at Bangui-MPoko International Airport, where modernization works under PAMAB were reported as more than 90% complete. AfDB said the upgrades cover the terminal and associated infrastructure, including the car park and a power station.
AfDB reported that the airport works aim to bring facilities up to standards required for certification by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and to strengthen CARs air connectivity. The AfDB delegation visited the site alongside CARs Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Herbert Gontran Djono Ahabam.
Strengthening delivery capacity for wider sector results
Beyond the two flagship investments, AfDB said the dialogue reviewed progress across its broader portfolio and focused on practical bottlenecks affecting delivery. The agreed approach includes strengthening the preparation of operations, reducing project start-up times, and building the capacity of implementing institutions in procurement, disbursement and accountability.
Officials highlighted that these measures are intended to create conditions for faster disbursements and improved delivery of investments funded by the AfDB Group. CAR ministers also indicated that sectoral coordination will support implementation momentum for priority projects, including Corridor 13, airport-related works and agricultural initiatives.
Why this matters for development stakeholders
For NGOs, nonprofit partners, researchers and development practitioners, faster and more accountable delivery of large-scale infrastructure and service investments can influence how quickly communities experience improvements in transport access, basic services and specialized health capacity. Implementation delays linked to compensation and right-of-way also underscore the operational importance of safeguards and planning for community engagement, particularly where infrastructure projects directly affect households and local livelihoods.
Key Details
Initiative or programme: Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville-Bangui-NDjamena Multimodal Transport Corridor Development Project (CD13) and Project to Support the Modernisation and Extension of Bangui-MPoko International Airport (PAMAB)
Lead organization: African Development Bank (AfDB)
Partners: Government of the Central African Republic (including President Faustin-Archange Touadera, Prime Minister Felix Moloua and relevant sector ministries)
Funding amount: CD13 funded to the tune of 282 million by the AfDB Group (PAMAB funding amount not specified in the provided source)
Geographic focus: Central African Republic, including works on CD13 links involving Bangui and targeted airport modernization in Bangui
Target groups: Communities affected by corridor right-of-way and road works; road users and regional transport stakeholders; patients needing cardiology services (via the planned Damara cardiology centre)
Duration or timeline: AfDB dialogue mission in
