Meeting of the Africa II Group in Washington

Washington, 24 April 2026 - 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.

The Minister emphasized the need for effective access to financing from international financial institutions to enable the implementation and rapid execution of development projects. “We are no longer operating within a logic of isolated projects, but within a logic of systemic transformation of our economies,” he stated. For the Central African Republic, this requires financing volumes that match national ambitions, supported by appropriate instruments and delivered without administrative delays.

The National Development Plan 2024–2028, championed by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, was presented as the country’s unique and sovereign framework for achieving this transformation. The plan aims to shift decisively from a humanitarian cycle toward a sustainable development trajectory, with concrete targets: doubling access to electricity, accelerating economic growth, and investing massively in human capital.

The Minister advocated for a “One Country – One Plan – One Integrated Financing Framework” approach, ensuring that global initiatives become direct accelerators of Bangui’s priorities.

Addressing operational constraints, Prof. Filakota called for simplified procedures to access funding and shorter timelines for “no-objection” approvals. He stressed that every month of administrative delay results in a school not built or a road not rehabilitated for the population. To bridge gaps in public resources, he urged the World Bank to strengthen its catalytic role in mobilizing the private sector and enhancing guarantee mechanisms.

In closing, the Minister called for unity within the Africa II Group, emphasizing that the continent’s strength lies in speaking with one voice to make development financing a matter of global economic justice.

He reaffirmed that the Central African Republic, equipped with a clear vision and a concrete plan, is “ready,” and expressed his expectation of an international partnership commensurate with the country’s transformation challenges.