Prime Minister Félix Moloua Endorses the Birao Development Hub Plan

On 18 July 2026, the Prime Minister Félix Moloua of the Central African Republic visited Vakaga prefecture and endorsed the Birao Development Hub Plan. 

The Birao Development Hub is a regional platform designed and led by Central African authorities to support return efforts, reduce risks of fragility, and stimulate inclusive growth in one of the country’s most remote border areas. A need for regional investment of approximately USD 9.67 million has been identified to strengthen infrastructure, essential services, livelihoods, and local governance. The model brings together public, humanitarian, development, and private investments to drive sustainable economic transformation that can be replicated in other areas of return. 

Located in the far north-east of the Central African Republic, on the border with Sudan and Chad, Birao sits at a crossroads of population movements. Since the start of the Sudan conflict in 2023, the arrival of a significant refugee population, combined with rising returns, calls for investment to strengthen reception capacity in the area. Birao has an established agricultural and pastoral base, active markets, and resilient communities, providing a solid foundation for investment and local development.

The integrated territorial approach, led by the Government of the Central African Republic with support from the United Nations and partners, connects humanitarian assistance, long-term development, and economic investment across three pillars: 

1. Stabilization: Strengthening essential infrastructure and services (shelter, WASH, health, education) to meet immediate needs and support sustainable integration and reintegration.
2. Economic transformation: Developing value chains, agriculture, livestock, and market access to create jobs and strengthen livelihoods.
3. Governance, social cohesion and protection: Reinforcing local institutions, preventing conflict, particularly around transhumance and pastoralism, and consolidating protection mechanisms and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

For more information, read the factsheet on the Birao Development Hub Plan and contact Gloria Ramazani, External Relations Officer, UNHCR Central African Republic ([email protected]).