Casablanca, September 14, 2025 – The much-anticipated Investment Round Table officially kicked off today in Casablanca, marking a historic step forward for the Central African Republic (CAR) as it presented its National Development Plan 2024–2028 to a packed venue of international investors, development institutions, political leaders, and media representatives.
Hosted under the High Patronage of President Prof. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the opening day drew a broad and diverse group of participants, with the main plenary hall filled to capacity. Delegations from across Africa and around the world joined the event, reflecting the rising interest in the CAR’s new development trajectory. As host nation, Morocco played a key role in facilitating the platform and dialogue. Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui highlighted the urgency of turning ambition into action: “The Central African Republic has defined a solid vision. For these projects to have a real impact, commitments must be followed by concrete action on the ground.”
Keynote Statements of Support From Global Institutions
The morning began with powerful opening speeches from representatives of major international institutions, including:
BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa)
European Commission
African Development Bank Group
United Nations
IFC (International Finance Corporation)
International Monetary Fund
The World Bank
The speakers reaffirmed that the CAR’s National Development Plan is not only a strategic roadmap for national progress, but also a model of stability and vision for Central Africa as a whole. The National Development Plan was praised as a “practical translation” of vision into action, with a clear structure and an ambitious yet feasible set of reforms and projects.
Presidential Vision: From Strategy to Implementation
In his highly anticipated address, President Prof. Faustin-Archange Touadéra emphasized that the round table is a new beginning for the Central African Republic—one defined by cooperation, reform, and tangible opportunity. He thanked the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the event and expressed confidence in the CAR’s ability to turn the plan into meaningful progress.
Following his address, Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning & International Cooperation, presented the National Development Plan, followed by an outline of its five strategic areas:
Strengthening Security and Promoting Governance
Development of Quality Human Capital
Development of Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
Acceleration of Production and Value Chains in Productive Sectors
Environmental Sustainability
Minister Filakota summarized: “Day one is already a success due to the quality of participation. There is great diversity among the participants — public institutions, international bodies, the private sector, and media — all of which shows how important this round table is.”
An additional highlight of the morning was a captivating short documentary film on the Central African Republic, providing an emotional and visual introduction to the country’s current context and future potential.
Thematic Panels and Ministerial Discussion
The day continued with a ministerial panel discussion focused on strategic sectors, including digital infrastructure, socio-economic development, agriculture, and mining.
This was followed by four parallel thematic Investment Panels, held in breakout sessions for in-depth discussions on:
Trade & Industry, Mining & Agriculture
Energy & Environment
Transport Infrastructure & ICT
Human Capital & Social Sectors
Each panel brought together leading figures, institutional investors, and development partners to engage directly.
MoUs Signed and Funding Announcements Made
A key outcome was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Central African Republic and a number of strategic partners from institutional and private sectors.
The MoUs reflect commitment to cooperation in digital infrastructure, hybrid energy systems, and transport, among others. Several statements of intent were also issued by investors, pledging financial commitments to specific projects and sectors aligned with the National development Plan’s strategic areas.
A Platform of Action and Optimism
The tone throughout the day as highlighted in the video above courtesy of Africa24 TV was one of shared ambition, confidence and optimism. Another short video from Africa24 TV cam be watched here.
The round table is more than symbolic. It represents the beginning of an active and already productive effort to mobilize capital, technical expertise, and partnerships to advance sustainable development in one of Africa’s most overlooked but promising nations.
Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming second day of the round table event.
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