In a significant move towards enhanced partnerships and coordination, the United States has officially joined the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) as an Executive Board member. The announcement was made during a side event of the Three Basins Summit attended by Congo-Brazzaville Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso and Minister of the Environment Arlette Soudan-Nonault. The Summit was held in Brazzaville from October 26-28, 2023.

With the US joining as an Executive Board member, CAFI now features ten donors spanning three continents, further solidifying its commitment to protecting one of the world's most vital rain forests.

The United States is no stranger to CAFI and has attended Board meetings in the past as an observer.  This announcement, however, signifies a more profound commitment.

According to Jennifer Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State and Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs, who signed the declaration: "The United States recognizes the Congo Basin's invaluable contributions to global environmental and socio-economic goals, and we welcome the opportunity to deepen collaboration with CAFI partners to promote policy and program coordination."

US Special Envoy for Climate Rick Duke, who attended the event in Brazzaville, expressed enthusiasm over the announcement to join CAFI: "The multiple ecosystem goods and services provided by the Congo Basin are an invaluable force to combat climate change.  Here in Brazzaville, we recognize the need to help Central African countries develop low-emission sustainable development pathways, and our partnership with CAFI helps provide a pathway forward.” 

The US has been active in forest and rural development efforts in the Central African region for some time, bringing significant investment to the Congo Basin through programs such as SilvaCarbon, SHUFFLE, and Climate Fellows. The Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has been active in the Congo Basin since 1995.

By joining CAFI, the US is making a bold statement on the importance of uniting and coordinating to protect forest lands and biodiversity and improving livelihoods for the millions of inhabitants in the region. It is a step toward making a greater impact, as investments and national or regional initiatives align.  

The US joins a broad coalition of donors now numbering 10 - including the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden. CAFI’s Central African partners include the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Gabon.

The Republic of Congo hosted the Three Basins Summit in its capital Brazzaville. This Summit not only marked the Republic of Congo's leadership in regional environmental collaboration but also set the stage for future engagements. CAFI actively contributed to the Summit through meetings and strategic discussions.