#investment program #Central African Republic #Bangui #Ambition 28

The Central African Republic Unveils Ambitious Future Investment Program

On September 4, 2025, the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) announced an ambitious investment plan aimed at driving economic growth and development across all sectors of the nation. With a significant budget of $12.8 billion, this initiative seeks to tackle long-standing issues such as poverty, infrastructure deficits, security challenges, and educational shortcomings. The plan is designed to reshape the country's future, capitalizing on its untapped natural resources, youthful population, and political stability.

Investment Details and Goals

The Investment Program, part of the National Development Plan 2024-2028, outlines the framework for economic advancement through various projects encompassing infrastructure, education, and social welfare. Key targets include:

• - Reducing poverty significantly
• - Constructing 2,300 kilometers of paved national roads
• - Deploying 3,000 kilometers of optical fiber for improved connectivity
• - Increasing the national electrification rate from 4% to 38% by 2028.

This ambitious initiative will be formally introduced to the international community during an investor roundtable event titled “Ambition 28,” set to take place in Casablanca, Morocco, on September 14 and 15.

The CAR President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, emphasized the importance of unleashing the country's latent potential. He stated, “We are resolutely determined to unlock our country’s untapped potential through accelerating economic growth, developing resilient infrastructure, and enhancing basic public services while providing tangible incentives for investment.”

Historical Context

Since the election of President Touadéra in 2016, the CAR has remained on a path of transformation. After a lengthy period of instabilities, the government has focused on political stabilization and institutional strengthening. Economic indicators reflect this positive trend, with inflation remaining at a modest 1.5% in 2024 and an economic growth rate projected at 5.1%. Furthermore, the CAR ranks 18th in Africa for global soft power, illustrating its improving international standing.

Natural Resources and Economic Potential

Positioned at the heart of Africa, the Central African Republic is endowed with vast natural resources, yet only a small fraction is currently utilized. The country is surrounded by six neighbors, providing access to a larger market via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens doors to 1.3 billion consumers.

With 15 million hectares of arable land, of which merely 5% is cultivated, the CAR has immense agricultural potential. The climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for crops such as cassava, maize, rice, and various cash crops like cotton and coffee. The forestry sector is equally promising, with approximately one-third of the area covered in forests rich in valuable hardwoods.

According to the World Bank, over 470 mining deposits are identified in the CAR, including diamonds, gold, uranium, and copper. Prime Minister Félix Moloua remarked on the necessity for investment in human capital and essential local infrastructures, which will pave the way for sustainable growth.

The Investor Roundtable: Ambition 28

The Ambition 28 event is viewed as a pivotal moment for the CAR. It aims to foster enhanced cooperation between the Republic and international private and public sector partners. Notably, leading voices from organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Commission will be attending to showcase the partnership opportunities within the development framework.

During this two-day conference, government leaders will present the strategic details of the National Development Plan, underscoring the attractiveness of the CAR as an investment destination. The roundtable will also spotlight 24 concrete projects that represent viable investment opportunities across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, mining, and tourism.

The government is keen to send a clear message: “We are not seeking charity but equitable partners willing to seize opportunities, engage in profitable ventures, and help us create the next chapter of African success.” This comprehensive plan encapsulates a holistic approach towards sustainable transformation, ensuring security, rule of law, and climate resilience are at the forefront of the CAR's development goals.

Conclusion

The planned investments signal a transformative era for the Central African Republic. With a robust investment framework and commitment to economic and social development, the CAR is poised to emerge as a strong African nation in the coming years. The world will be watching as the nation sets forth on this ambitious journey at the Ambition 28 conference, laying the foundation for a brighter future for its citizens.