Casablanca, September 15, 2025 – The second day of the International Investment Round Table in Casablanca opened with a strong focus on the economic foundations necessary for private sector engagement and long-term investment in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The day kicked off with the AfriNexus Business Leader Breakfast, bringing together international guests and Conference participants in a relaxed setting.
Strong Institutional Opening: A Push for African Dynamism
The formal session began with opening speeches by representatives of the CAR and Moroccan governments, as well as IFC’s Regional Director Dahlia Khalifa. Emphasis was placed on mobilizing African dynamism, with the Casablanca Round Table seen as a model for building actionable platforms for investment and cooperation.
Dahlia Khalifa underlined that the momentum generated by the Round Table builds on important groundwork, including the recent African Caucus meeting in Bangui.
Minister Filakota: “A Historic Endeavour for Innovation and Investment”
Delivering the official opening address, Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, reaffirmed the CAR’s transformation journey, saying:
“The Central African Republic is back.”
He highlighted theimportance of the strategic partnership with Morocco, and extended an open invitation to investors and development partners to support this “historic endeavour for innovation and investment.”
“Business Ready”: Assessment of CAR’s Investment Climate
A key segment of the morning was the presentation by Charlotte Ndaw Sako from the IFC, titled:
“Business Ready: Where does the CAR stand? What needs to be improved?” Drawing from new assessment data, Ndaw Sako praised the positive steps already taken by the CAR and the large potential. She also pointed to a few weaknesses including the development of financial services and market competition. Her remarks underscored both the readiness and the ongoing efforts required to solidify CAR’s business climate and attract sustainable private capital.
Legal reforms and Panel Spotlight
The Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Good Governance, also known as the Keeper of the Seals, delivered a detailed overview of the ongoing legal and governance reforms
The final segment of the morning session featured a panel discussion on “Special Economic Zones & Value Chains,” moderated by Cheick Kante of the World Ban, including Thierry Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Central African Republic.
Minister Akoloza emphasized the strategic role of economic zones in fostering trade, industrialization, and job creation, particularly for the youth population. He also underlined their potential to act as a catalysator for regional economy. The role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) was emphasized throughout the conversation as a critical lever for success.
Stay tuned for the updates of the afternoon program and a round-up of day two.
You are now leaving the official website. The Ambition Journal is not responsible for the content of the following pages.
To continue, click 'Continue'.