Cooperation with BADEA: $300 Million for the National Development Plan

Washington, 22 April 2026 - 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). The discussions focused on BADEA’s support of $300 million for the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2024–2028.

Prof. Filakota also expressed the Central African government’s gratitude to BADEA for its crucial contribution of $300,000, which enabled the successful organization of the Casablanca Round Table. Beyond its symbolic value, this support marked a turning point in mobilizing resources for the structural transformation of the country’s economy. The Minister emphasized that this commitment positions BADEA as a leading partner in achieving national development objectives.

As a sign of strong economic governance, the Central African delegation highlighted the country’s financial credibility. Despite a constrained cash flow context, the Central African Republic has honored all its obligations to BADEA from January to April 2026, amounting to 279 million CFA francs. This sends a clear message of trust: Bangui is a serious and responsible partner, ready to engage in large-scale financing.

On the operational side, the Minister called for accelerated disbursements and more flexible administrative procedures. Discussions also focused on finalizing agreements related to the country’s participation in the African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE) or the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), as well as the release of pending budget support. Bangui proposed the establishment of a joint monitoring mechanism to translate these commitments into tangible results on the ground.

Finally, Prof. Filakota invited BADEA to play a leading role in mobilizing additional Arab financing for the country. The objective is to build this partnership into a model of effective cooperation, particularly in energy infrastructure and productive value chains. For the Central African delegation, the transition toward sustainable and inclusive development is now irreversible.