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Homepage - Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI)
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Some call it “the most important forest in the world”. Each year, the Central African forest absorbs 1.5 billion tons of CO2 

That’s as much CO2 as 385 coal-fired power plants produce. The Central African forest’s role in sustaining livelihoods and combating the climate and biodiversity crises is crucial locally, regionally and for the whole world. But it is under threat.

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Projects
Partner Countries

What’s happening

Keep up with our latest news and announcements

 

Preparatory grant : Access to affordable financing for SMEs

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) received $500,000 to develop a project that facilitates access to affordable financing for small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in sustainable agriculture and forestry, by combining catalytic blended finance with technical...

Forest certification and community management

Gabon is committed to sustainably managing its forests, which cover over 88% of its national territory, while ensuring that forest-based economic activities deliver both environmental and social benefits. This project supports the implementation of Gabon’s Forest...

CAFI Overview

Our Vision : 

Forests teeming with life and biodiversity
Thriving rural communities
A stabilised climate

 

 

 

Who we are

Established in 2015, CAFI is a partnership between donor countries, six Central African countries and other stakeholders to curb forest loss. CAFI operates as both a Trust Fund and political platform, supporting National Investment Frameworks through performance-based funding and high-level policy dialogue. It promotes coordinated donor support, cross-sector reforms, and inclusive participation to drive sustainable development and forest protection across Central Africa.

Why we do it

Rainforests, especially in Central Africa, play a vital role in combating climate change and biodiversity loss. Covering just 6% of Earth’s surface, they absorb carbon and shelter over half of terrestrial biodiversity. Central Africa’s forest, that have been called “the world’s most important forest”, stores 1.1 billion tons of CO₂ annually, directly supports over 40 million people and regulate local and regional rainfalls. Despite its resilience, the forest is under growing threat, having lost 6 million hectares since 2001, making land use a major emissions source for CAFI partner countries.

What we do

Through high-level policy dialogue combined with a portfolio of enabling, reform and large scale investments project, CAFI supports its 6 partner countries – Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo to implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, fight poverty and develop sustainably, and fulfil the post-2020 biodiversity framework.

How we do it

Based on National Investment Frameworks addressing deforestation drivers, support is formalized through Letters of Intent between CAFI and partner countries, that outline policy reforms, time bound milestones and financial commitments. Projects are implemented by 16 implementing organizations and backed by policy dialogue. CAFI emphasizes transparency, stakeholder participation and inclusion, and accountability. The Fund is governed by an Executive Board, supported by a Secretariat, and managed by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office. CAFI seeks to offer flexible, country-specific and coordinated investments.

At a glance

How we meet the objectives of the foundational CAFI Declaration

Million Dollars Committed

Countries with large-scale investments

Million Dollars Transferred

combined emission reduction target from approved projects

approved projects, of which 44 are still active

Number of expected beneficiaries

Projects Portfolio

Our diverse portfolio of projects combines large-scale investments addressing direct drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, support to policy reforms, governance and coordination and preparatory grants. Explore it further

UNOPS Technical Assistance

UNOPS Technical Assistance

Designed for rapid and flexible support, the Regional Technical Assistance Facility provides technical and logistical support to the six CAFI ...
Sustainable Management of Forests

Sustainable Management of Forests

In the DRC, timber production is estimated at 3 to 4 millions of cubic meters (m3) per year, far below wood ...
PIREDD Kwilu

PIREDD Kwilu

Located in a DRC province heavily reliant on forest resources, the PIREDD Kwilu project was designed to promote sustainable alternatives ...
Wood energy plantations (PROREP)

Wood energy plantations (PROREP)

The "Project to strengthen the sustainable wood energy potential in the Republic of Congo", or "PROREP Wood Energy Plantations" aims ...
Operationalising the MRV System

Operationalising the MRV System

In its Letter of Intent with CAFI, the Republic of Congo committed to provide complete and consistent greenhouse gas emission ...
Expansion of protected areas and sustainable agriculture

Expansion of protected areas and sustainable agriculture

To support Gabon’s efforts in protecting its forests - by expanding its protected areas network, and optimizing land use for ...

Our Investments

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Funds committed and transferred for each partner country
Transfers per sector

Collaborating for Shared Goals

These partner countries come together to tackle common challenges, promote sustainable development, and create impactful solutions for a better future.

Our Partners

CAFI partners with over 30 ministries in six Central African countries, receives contributions from 10 donors, and implements programmes and projects through 23 implementing organizations (UN family, bilateral cooperation agencies and international NGOs)

Our Partners
Our Donors
Implementing Organizations