African Development Bank and ECCAS Strengthen Partnership to Accelerate Central African Integration
Libreville, The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) are strengthening their partnership as they work toward deeper economic integration, better regional connectivity and stronger development cooperation across Central Africa.
The two institutions held a technical dialogue mission in Libreville, Gabon, from July 20 to 22, 2026, focusing on the preparation of a new Regional Integration Strategy Document for Central Africa covering 2026–2031. The strategy is being developed alongside ECCAS’s Medium-Term Indicative Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
New Five-Year Strategy Takes Shape
The latest discussions were designed to build on lessons from the previous 2019–2025 regional strategy and identify priorities for the next phase of cooperation.
Officials and technical specialists from both institutions examined progress made under the earlier strategy and discussed challenges that continue to limit regional integration.
The new framework is expected to guide AfDB and ECCAS cooperation over the next five years, with a strong emphasis on projects and policies capable of delivering practical economic benefits across Central African countries.
Regional Infrastructure Identified as a Priority
One of the main areas highlighted during the dialogue was the need for stronger and more resilient regional infrastructure.
Better transport links, energy connections and trade corridors are considered essential for reducing the barriers that separate Central African economies.
The institutions agreed that future cooperation should pay greater attention to multimodal transport corridors, regional energy interconnections and infrastructure capable of supporting economic activity even during periods of disruption.
Such investments could make it easier for businesses to move goods across borders and connect landlocked areas with regional and international markets.
Human Capital and Institutions Also in Focus
Infrastructure was not the only priority.
The discussions also identified human capital development and institutional capacity as important elements of successful regional integration.
Stronger regional institutions can improve coordination among member states, while investments in skills and human resources can help countries take advantage of new economic opportunities created by regional trade and infrastructure projects.
The two organisations also reviewed priorities involving agriculture, agro-industrialisation, human development, economic and trade integration and institutional governance.
Supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area
A major objective of the new regional strategy is to help accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Central Africa.
AfDB officials said the new strategy would support inclusive and resilient infrastructure capable of strengthening regional trade and economic connections.
Improved infrastructure and more efficient border and trade systems could help Central African economies participate more effectively in regional value chains.
The wider goal is to make regional markets more connected and competitive while encouraging greater movement of goods and services between African countries.
More Than $1 Billion Already Mobilised
The African Development Bank has already invested heavily in regional infrastructure across Central Africa.
Between 2019 and December 2025, the bank mobilised approximately $1.23 billion for 28 regional infrastructure projects, according to information associated with the latest partnership discussions.
These investments have included multimodal transport corridors, energy interconnections and initiatives designed to facilitate trade.
As of 31 July 2026, the AfDB’s regional portfolio in Central Africa comprised 37 operations worth approximately $1.69 billion.
New Joint Mechanisms Planned
AfDB and ECCAS have agreed on a joint roadmap intended to make their cooperation more systematic.
One proposed measure is the creation of a joint ECCAS–AfDB Technical Committee.
The institutions also plan to establish an annual high-level dialogue, develop additional regional projects and ensure that ECCAS is consistently involved in the preparation of projects involving multiple countries.
These mechanisms are intended to improve coordination and reduce delays during project preparation and implementation.
Greater Focus on Regional Economic Corridors
The strengthened partnership will also examine opportunities involving regional economic corridors, energy connections and industrial processing hubs.
Developing these systems could help countries move beyond simply exporting raw materials and create stronger regional value chains.
For Central African economies, greater industrial cooperation could create opportunities for local processing, employment and increased intra-regional trade.
The Road Ahead
The new 2026–2031 strategy is still being developed, meaning the latest announcement does not represent the completion of the plan.
Instead, the Libreville dialogue marks an important stage in deciding the priorities and mechanisms that will shape the next phase of AfDB–ECCAS cooperation.
If the planned roadmap is implemented effectively, the partnership could support stronger infrastructure, improved institutional capacity and greater economic integration across Central Africa.
For the region, the ultimate objective is to transform regional integration from a policy ambition into practical improvements in connectivity, trade and economic opportunity.
Source: African Development Bank Group, August 24, 2026.
