“From Idea to Action” – IFC’s Dahlia Khalifa Commends Private Sector Vision

Casablanca, October 28, 2025 – “The Central African Republic is no longer defined by its past challenges but by its determination to build a new future – one driven by private sector growth, investment, and opportunity.” This was the powerful message delivered by Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Director for Central and Anglophone West Africa, during her address at the Investment Round Table six weeks ago.

“Over these two days, it has become very clear that the leadership and government of the Central African Republic are determined to chart a new future for the country,” Khalifa affirmed. “They are leaving the past behind and moving forward with a clear vision centered on private sector development and growth.”

She underscored that the National Development Plan 2024–2028 provides a strong and credible framework to translate vision into reality. “By leveraging the nation’s vast resources and focusing on job creation, the National Development Plan seeks to improve lives and livelihoods for all Central Africans,” she emphasized.

A New Economic Story for the Central African Republic

Khalifa noted that for too long, the narrative around the Central African Republic had been dominated by fragility. “Today,” she said, “we are here to tell a different story – one of opportunity and transformation.” She highlighted the country’s extraordinary potential: 15 million hectares of fertile land, 10% of the Congo Basin’s forest cover, and rich deposits of strategic minerals vital to the industries of the future.

But above all, she identified the people as the nation’s greatest strength – “a young, dynamic population eager to learn, to work, and to build a better future.” Harnessing this human capital, she said, is central to achieving inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.

IFC’s Commitment: From Aid to Sustainable Development

Representing the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Khalifa reaffirmed the institutions’ shared commitment to accompany the Central African Republic on its path toward self-sustaining growth. Together, the World Bank and IFC have mobilized more than USD 2.3 billion in financing – including USD 1 billion in private sector mobilization – across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and digitalization.

“The scale of ambition is clear,” Khalifa said. “This Round Table signals to the world that the Central African Republic is open for business and ready for change.”

She explained that the IFC’s role is to help move from aid to sustainable, self-driven development, through projects that power industries, connect farmers to markets, expand digital access, and promote governance reforms that build investor confidence.

Building an Enabling Environment for Private Investment

Khalifa underlined the importance of an improved regulatory framework and transparent governance as key conditions for attracting private capital. “We are supporting reforms that enable private investment, promote public-private partnerships, and strengthen local SMEs,” she said. “We are also developing marketable skills for employment, especially among youth and women.”

She announced that IFC’s current project pipeline for 2025 totals USD 100 million, spanning manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. “This is just the beginning,” she added, noting that IFC has already signed landmark agreements to expand SME development and microfinance through partnerships such as SOFIA Credit, directly benefiting more than 100 local entrepreneurs through financial training and access to capital.

A Call for Persistence, Patience, and Partnership

In her closing words, Khalifa reminded investors that transformation will take time – but that the momentum built in Casablanca must not fade. “The Central African Republic is a frontier market, but also a frontier of opportunity,” she said. “Transformation will not happen overnight. It will require persistence, patience, and partnership.”

Her remarks captured both realism and optimism – acknowledging the country’s challenges while affirming that with courage, vision, and sustained collaboration, the Central African Republic can and will rise to become Africa’s next success story.