August 17, 2026
Published on
Category

Central African Diaspora: International Online Conference for New Economic Projects

Bangui, 1 April 2026 - The Ministry of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation (MEPCI), in partnership with the World Bank Group, including the IFC, with the participation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and DICADEV, successfully organized a high-level online conference.

Held on March 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (Bangui time), the event attracted strong interest, recording more than 1,000 views within just four hours after its broadcast, reflecting the growing interest of the Central African diaspora in national development initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, outlined the strategic framework for the discussions, emphasizing the decisive role of the diaspora in the country’s economic and social recovery.

The discussions were enriched by contributions from Mr. Émile Ekambi, Assistant to the Representative of the World Bank Group in the Central African Republic, Mr. Ange Kouassi, IFC Country Manager, and Ms. Naomi Shiferaw from the IOM Regional Office in Dakar. The session was moderated by Ms. Marlène Nzengou and Mr. Franklin-Melnick Dackpa.

The conference also featured active participation from the Central African diaspora, with several members presenting flagship projects in key sectors such as agribusiness, real estate, logistics, the digitalization of the healthcare system, microfinance, as well as a project focused on mapping the skills of the Central African diaspora.

These contributions highlighted the clear determination of the Government led by Prime Minister Félix Moloua, Head of Government, under the enlightened leadership of His Excellency Prof. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Republic and Head of State, to contribute to national development by enabling the Central African diaspora to return and invest in their country of origin—guided by a shared vision: to unite and build, as their roots have never disappeared.

Furthermore, the meeting provided an opportunity to showcase products and opportunities offered by partners for the benefit of the diaspora, with the aim of facilitating their involvement in productive investments.

In conclusion, Minister Richard Filakota reaffirmed the existence of strategic alignment between the Government, its partners, and potential investors, particularly the International Finance Corporation and the International Organization for Migration.

He emphasized that the Central African Republic is at a decisive turning point, where the decisions made today will determine the country of tomorrow. In this context, the support of all diaspora stakeholders is essential to mobilize skilled human capital and investments, guided by a clear direction set by the National Development Plan (PND) 2024–2028.

Tags

Share on social media

Author

Relevant for you

Private Sector Development
Private Sector Development: The AfDB and Ecobank join Forces to boost Financing for Central African SMEs
Under the leadership of Prof. Richard FILAKOTA, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, a historic event for the Central African private sector took place. Driven by the President of the Republic, Head of State, Prof. Faustin-Archange TOUADERA, and under the auspices of the Government led by Félix Moloua, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ecobank Central African Republic officially signed an agreement relating to a Transaction Guarantee Facility.
Read more
Meeting of the Africa II Group in Washington
In a diplomatic yet firmly strategic address, the Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Prof. Richard Filakota, welcomed the evolving approach of the World Bank—particularly its willingness to prioritize full alignment between global financing instruments and the national priorities of African states.
Read more
Central African Delegation Meets IFC Representatives
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).
Read more
Cooperation with BADEA: $300 Million for the National Development Plan
A highly productive and constructive meeting: Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, met in Washington with Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Read more