Central African Republic Launches Ambitious $12.8 Billion Investment Program for Future Development
The Central African Republic (CAR) is taking substantial steps towards revitalizing its economy and improving the quality of life for its citizens through a multi-billion dollar investment initiative. On September 4, 2025, the government announced the launch of this ambitious program, targeting an impressive $12.8 billion to promote development across various sectors and regions within the country.
The core focus of this investment plan is outlined in the National Development Plan for the period 2024-2028. By 2028, the government aims to execute 543 specific projects intended to significantly reduce poverty rates, improve infrastructure, and enhance public services. Key components of the plan include the construction of 2,300 kilometers of paved national roads, the installation of 3,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, and raising the electrification rate from a mere 4% to 38%. These goals reflect a commitment to transforming CAR into a more accessible and prosperous nation.
President Faustin Archange Touadéra emphasized the urgency and potential for change during a recent address. "We are determined to unlock the largely untapped potential of our country by accelerating economic growth, building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, improving basic public services, and attracting investment," he stated. The government's objective is double-fold: to create genuine momentum for economic, social, and ecological transformation while simultaneously alleviating poverty and enhancing the well-being of the population.
Despite being considered one of the least developed nations globally, CAR has shown signs of positive change since President Touadéra took office in 2016. Political stabilization, alongside ongoing reform efforts, has begun to bear fruit, with economic indicators improving steadily. For instance, inflation was recorded at a low 1.5% in 2024, and the country continues to witness a stable currency and consistent economic growth projected at 5.1% this year. In the Global Soft Power Index 2025, CAR ranked 18th among African nations and 2nd in the Central Africa region, indicating an increase in its international standing and influence.
CAR's geographic position as a landlocked country surrounded by six neighbors—including Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—further enhances its strategic importance. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers CAR access to a market of approximately 1.3 billion people, underscoring the opportunities available for trade and economic cooperation.
Additionally, CAR boasts significant agricultural and natural resources, with around 15 million hectares of arable land—only 5% of which is currently cultivated. The country's tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing crops such as cassava, maize, rice, peanuts, cotton, and cocoa, all possessing considerable export potential. Furthermore, nearly a third of CAR's territory is forested, containing valuable timber species such as mahogany and iroko, presenting opportunities for eco-tourism, local wood processing, and carbon sequestration efforts.
The World Bank has identified over 470 mineral deposits within CAR's borders, including diamonds, gold, uranium, coal, and more. As Prime Minister Félix Moloua stated, "To harness our significant potential, we must invest in human capital. This requires bringing essential infrastructure closer to the populace, particularly schools and health services."
As the government prepares for the upcoming international Investment Round Table under the title "Ambition 28" in Casablanca on September 14-15, 2025, excitement is building. This event aims to mark the genesis of stronger international partnerships and showcase the National Development Plan's contents to a global audience. Key figures from various funding organizations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, will attend the conference, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving economic transformation.
The National Development Plan positions itself as the strategic blueprint for CAR's long-term transformation, focusing on safety, human capital, infrastructure development, value chain enhancement, and climate resilience. Minister of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation, Prof. Richard Filakota, remarked, "We are not seeking handouts; we are looking for fair partners who recognize opportunities and wish to do good business while writing the next success story of Africa together."
This remarkable initiative presents a rare opportunity for potential investors and partners to join in shaping a prosperous future for the Central African Republic, turning its vast resources and youthful population into a robust and expanding economy.
The core focus of this investment plan is outlined in the National Development Plan for the period 2024-2028. By 2028, the government aims to execute 543 specific projects intended to significantly reduce poverty rates, improve infrastructure, and enhance public services. Key components of the plan include the construction of 2,300 kilometers of paved national roads, the installation of 3,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, and raising the electrification rate from a mere 4% to 38%. These goals reflect a commitment to transforming CAR into a more accessible and prosperous nation.
President Faustin Archange Touadéra emphasized the urgency and potential for change during a recent address. "We are determined to unlock the largely untapped potential of our country by accelerating economic growth, building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, improving basic public services, and attracting investment," he stated. The government's objective is double-fold: to create genuine momentum for economic, social, and ecological transformation while simultaneously alleviating poverty and enhancing the well-being of the population.
Despite being considered one of the least developed nations globally, CAR has shown signs of positive change since President Touadéra took office in 2016. Political stabilization, alongside ongoing reform efforts, has begun to bear fruit, with economic indicators improving steadily. For instance, inflation was recorded at a low 1.5% in 2024, and the country continues to witness a stable currency and consistent economic growth projected at 5.1% this year. In the Global Soft Power Index 2025, CAR ranked 18th among African nations and 2nd in the Central Africa region, indicating an increase in its international standing and influence.
CAR's geographic position as a landlocked country surrounded by six neighbors—including Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—further enhances its strategic importance. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers CAR access to a market of approximately 1.3 billion people, underscoring the opportunities available for trade and economic cooperation.
Additionally, CAR boasts significant agricultural and natural resources, with around 15 million hectares of arable land—only 5% of which is currently cultivated. The country's tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing crops such as cassava, maize, rice, peanuts, cotton, and cocoa, all possessing considerable export potential. Furthermore, nearly a third of CAR's territory is forested, containing valuable timber species such as mahogany and iroko, presenting opportunities for eco-tourism, local wood processing, and carbon sequestration efforts.
The World Bank has identified over 470 mineral deposits within CAR's borders, including diamonds, gold, uranium, coal, and more. As Prime Minister Félix Moloua stated, "To harness our significant potential, we must invest in human capital. This requires bringing essential infrastructure closer to the populace, particularly schools and health services."
As the government prepares for the upcoming international Investment Round Table under the title "Ambition 28" in Casablanca on September 14-15, 2025, excitement is building. This event aims to mark the genesis of stronger international partnerships and showcase the National Development Plan's contents to a global audience. Key figures from various funding organizations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, will attend the conference, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving economic transformation.
The National Development Plan positions itself as the strategic blueprint for CAR's long-term transformation, focusing on safety, human capital, infrastructure development, value chain enhancement, and climate resilience. Minister of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation, Prof. Richard Filakota, remarked, "We are not seeking handouts; we are looking for fair partners who recognize opportunities and wish to do good business while writing the next success story of Africa together."
This remarkable initiative presents a rare opportunity for potential investors and partners to join in shaping a prosperous future for the Central African Republic, turning its vast resources and youthful population into a robust and expanding economy.
Topics General Business）
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