The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched the $46.5 million PREDIRE program to turn the Ubangi River basin into a major trade, agriculture, and climate resilience corridor in Central Africa. Stretching over 2,272 km across the DRC, Central African Republic (CAR), and Republic of Congo, the river has been underutilized for decades.
The initiative focuses on climate-resilient water infrastructure, agricultural development, and river navigation, targeting the Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Ubangi, and Mongala provinces. The project is expected to directly benefit 2.4 million people, generate 3,400 jobs, and prioritize support for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
PREDIRE aligns with regional efforts to create a sustainable cross-border development corridor, improve food security, and boost trade in Central Africa. Complementary programs, including an $8.7 million environmental initiative, enhance ecosystem management and water governance. By modernizing the Ubangi River, the DRC aims to strengthen economic growth, rural livelihoods, and climate adaptation across the basin.