Bangui, December 5, 2025 – Jean-Luc Tete, President of the Society for Sustainable Agricultural Industries (SIAD), outlined a bold and forward-looking vision for the Central African Republic’s role in global climate action during an in-depth interview with Africa24 TV. Speaking on the growing potential of carbon markets, the preservation of Congo Basin forests, and the rise of regenerative agriculture, Tete described a model in which the CAR positions itself not only as a beneficiary of climate finance, but as an essential contributor to global environmental stability.
A Strategic Role in the Congo Basin – “The First Lung of the Planet”
Tete emphasized that the Central African Republic occupies a pivotal position within the six-nation Congo Basin forest region – the world’s largest remaining tropical forest reserve and a critical carbon sink. As climate change intensifies, the northern edge of these forests (located in the CAR) is under severe pressure. Protecting this ecological frontier, he argued, requires massive investment, and the CAR’s role in maintaining the planet’s environmental balance must be fully recognized.
“If we want to save this global treasure, we must invest massively in the CAR,” he stressed, noting that the country’s contribution to carbon sequestration is “immense.”
Building a Transparent, High-Value Carbon Market
According to Tete, the CAR now offers one of the strongest legal and transparency frameworks for carbon-market engagement anywhere in the world. The government’s work to modernize governance, strengthen investor protections, and guarantee value redistribution to communities has already positioned the country among the few global leaders with a fully operational annual transparency report – a key requirement for credibility in international carbon trading.
This regulatory clarity, combined with the country’s unique environmental assets, enables the emergence of a premium label: “Centrafrique Carbon Credits” – recognized for exceptional quality and traceability.
Regenerative Agriculture as a Tool for Climate Action
One of the interview’s central themes was SIAD’s pioneering work in regenerative agriculture combined with agroforestry. This model, Tete explained, transforms agriculture into a driver of ecosystem restoration:
Farming without fertilizers, tilling, or heavy irrigation, keeping costs extremely low
Reforesting degraded lands while cultivating them
Turning farmers into “systemic reforesters” whose incomes rise sharply through higher yields and carbon revenue
This integrated approach ensures that agricultural expansion strengthens – rather than depletes – forest landscapes. “We are making agriculture an instrument for restoring the environment,” Tete said. “Farmers gain twice: through increased production and through the carbon credits associated with their work.”
The CAR as a Natural Investment Destination
Tete also spoke about the business case for investing in the CAR. With decades of industrial experience in Europe, he highlighted that the country is a dream environment for industrial investors – an untapped market of 50 million consumers across the region, low logistical costs, and vast demand for food, equipment, and services.
SIAD itself has already committed millions of dollars to prove the viability of this model, and further financing is expected to scale operations to 2,000 hectares and beyond.
Strengthening Partnerships – Including With Morocco
Tete pointed to promising cooperation with Morocco, whose successful “integrator” model in agriculture closely aligns with SIAD’s approach. Knowledge exchanges, joint expertise, and shared best practices in regenerative farming and agroforestry are expected to open new pathways for investment flows between the two countries.
A Clear Message to Investors
Tete ended the interview with a compelling invitation to the international business community: “The CAR is a country where everything is possible. The only risk you take by coming to invest here is not wanting to leave.”
Watch the full interview with Africa24 TV here.
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