August 17, 2026
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Central African Delegation Meets IFC Representatives

Washington, 23 April 2026 - The economy of the Central African Republic is entering a transition phase toward an era of opportunity, driven by a rising private sector.

On the sidelines of the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, the Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Prof. Richard Filakota, met with Ethiopis Tafara, Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The central message of the meeting was clear: to translate the IFC’s $1 billion commitment since the Casablanca Round Table into concrete results through the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

Youth employability is an absolute priority. As the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) gradually withdraws, the private sector is expected to become the main driver of social stabilization. The Minister called on the IFC to take decisive action to create large-scale employment opportunities and economically empower young men and women, turning them into a key lever for sustainable growth.

To catalyze this transformation, the Central African Republic is focusing on strategic sectors such as agro-processing, mining, digital financial inclusion, and especially energy — which Ethiopis Tafara highlighted as a critical factor: “Without energy, there is no development.”

In his discussions, Minister Filakota also advocated for stronger integration of the diaspora as a structural economic actor capable of reinvesting skills and capital into the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Overall, Prof. Filakota proposed the creation of a joint “CAR–IFC” mechanism to accelerate the structuring of bankable projects within 6 to 12 months, positioning the private sector as a driver of peace and prosperity.

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