Since the first 2017 GCF project in CAR, the country expressed the desire to have a national institution accredited by GCF to boost its capacity to mobilize climate funds and address urgent climate challenges. After assessing several institutions, BGFIBank Centrafrique (formerly Commercial Bank Centrafrique) was shortlisted. This effort is now being pursued through the African Union’s GCF Readiness Project on climate-resilient water investments in Africa.
To facilitate the accreditation process, a capacity building development workshop was organized by GWP from August 18th - 20th in Bangui, aimed at reinforcing the bank's readiness for GCF accreditation. The training convened stakeholders of relevance, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, BGFIBank Centrafrique, GWPO, and GWP-Central African Republic. Led by the international expert Mr. Benedicts Libanda, the training focused on four modules: understanding the GCF entity accreditation, the accreditation process and documentation, digitalization of the process via the GCF portal, and operationalizing the funds. Case studies from accredited African institutions, including DBSA and Namibia, were highlighted for practical knowledge.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Sarra Touzi, GWPO Water and Climate Expert said, “We are honoured to contribute to this national effort to have the first entity accredited to the Green Climate Fund in CAR,to facilitate the mobilization of climate funds”. The Minister of Environment’s representative, Mr. Amine El Mahad, emphasized its alignment with section 5 of the National Development Plan, which aims at mobilizing climate finance.
At the end of the workshop, a draft roadmap for the accreditation of BGFIBank Centrafrique was submitted to the bank for review and adoption. The bank's focal point praised the quality of the training, all the while reaffirming BGFI Bank’s commitment to the accreditation process. The capacity building training concluded with a certificate award ceremony and closing remarks from Mr. Boris Bemokolo, GCF Coordinator, to show appreciation for participants' commitment and interest, to the important milestone of making BGFIBank Centrafrique the first GCF accredited entity in CAR.