The Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central Africa (ReCATH for Central Africa) was launched during a two-day event from 24-25 March 2022. Bringing together Ministers and Senior Officials from 10 of the 11 ECCAS Member states, the establishment of the Hub represents a milestone in regional climate cooperation.

“The official launch today of this ECCAS-ICAT project aimed, among other things, at capacity building, is a great satisfaction and we support it,” noted Her Excellence Madame Eve Bazaiba, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country currently presiding over ECCAS. “I do not doubt the success of this initiative and its added value for our States in our ecological transition.” 

Hosted by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in Douala, Cameroon, and funded by the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), the Hub aims to enable Central African countries to act on climate change while strengthening their capacity to advance their national development priorities.

“The Regional Hub for Central Africa supports the 11 ECCAS member states in their efforts to build and improve sustainable and comprehensive climate transparency frameworks. As a result, national policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders will be better positioned to advance climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and countries will be able to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement,” said Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, ECCAS President.

Dr. Henning Wuester, Director of ICAT, highlighted the value of the Hub in “supporting the development of a foundation for effective and efficient climate action, encompassing both mitigation and adaptation. Transparency will help countries establish, implement and evaluate climate policies and measures. This includes the mobilization of resources which is a crucial element enabling implementation.” 

Attended virtually by ministers, senior government officials, private sector, academia and development actors, the two-day ReCATH launch event provided stakeholders with an overview of the Hub’s objectives and proposed activities, along with providing the opportunity for country representatives to discuss their experiences relating to climate action, transparency and reporting. 

With all countries confirming their interest and commitment to participate in the Hub, the launch event served to underline the region’s commitment to climate action. Event speakers welcomed the initiative as a timely response to an urgent need.