LCBC and AfDB Sign an Agreement to Restore the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin
N’Djamena, 20 March 2025 – The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group officially signed, on Thursday, 20th March 2025, the Financing Agreement for the Technical Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT). This ceremony, held at the LCBC headquarters in N’Djamena, marks a crucial step in the fight against environmental degradation and in strengthening the resilience of local communities.
Hosted by the Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, the event brought together high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Water and Energy, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the LCBC and First Commissioner of Chad to the LCBC, Mr PASSALE KANABE Marcelin, the Country Manager of the Africa Development Bank Group, Mr Claude Nkodia, and the Governor of the Africa Development for the Republic of Chad represented by Minister delegate to the Minister of Finance in charge of the Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Mme Fatima Haram Acyl.
With total funding of 7.8 million Units of Account (UA), including 7 million UA provided by the AfDB through the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Transition Support Facility (TSF), as well as an 800,000 UA contribution from the LCBC, the PARFEBALT project focuses on three main intervention areas: conducting preparatory studies for the revitalisation of Lake Chad, including socio-economic, environmental, and climate assessments, strengthening knowledge of water resources through the development of a hydrometeorological and hydrogeological monitoring system and enhancing the institutional capacities of the LCBC and its Member States to ensure integrated and sustainable water resource management.
After official remarks, the LCBC and the AfDB proceeded with the signing of the Financing Agreement, followed by an exchange of folders symbolising the mutual commitment of the two institutions.
The ceremony ended with a group photo and a cocktail reception, providing participants with the opportunity to discuss the next steps for the project’s implementation.
This signing represents significant progress in the fight against the degradation of the Lake Chad ecosystem and further demonstrates the importance of the partnership between the LCBC and the AfDB for sustainable regional development.
With the launch of PARFEBALT, the populations of the Lake Chad Basin can look forward to improved water resource management and better living conditions. This project fully aligns with the vision of a more resilient, prosperous, and ecologically restored region.
