Abdou Diop: “We Want to Support in Strategic Sectors”

Casablanca, September 25, 2025 – Abdou Diop, President of the Africa Commission of the Moroccan Employers’ Confederation (CGEM), outlined Morocco’s vision of supporting the Central African Republic (CAR) on its path toward stability and economic transformation in an in-depth conversation with Africa24. Speaking on the sidelines of the Investment Round Table in Casablanca, Diop highlighted the event’s importance for mobilizing resources and building partnerships across Africa.

Financing Africa, With Africa’s Means

Diop described the Round Table as a turning point for the continent: “This table crystallizes the challenges of financing in Africa. In a context where international financing is scarce, it is essential that Africa takes charge of itself. That means mobilizing African savings, mobilizing the private sector, and also drawing on the resources of the diaspora.” He added that Morocco, with its established role as a financial hub, is well positioned to facilitate these efforts.

Strategic Sectors: Energy, Agriculture, Mines, Infrastructure

Looking specifically at the Central African Republic, Diop stressed that several sectors stand out:
“Energy is a priority — hydroelectricity, solar, rehabilitating existing plants, and creating new potential. Agriculture and agro-industry are equally important, given the country’s water resources. Then there are the mines — gold and diamonds remain artisanal, but with the right partners, industrial development is possible. And finally, infrastructure: Morocco has developed an ecosystem in engineering and construction that can be mobilized to support the CAR.”

He underlined that Moroccan companies have been active across more than 40 African countries for over two decades, particularly in finance, telecoms, agriculture, agro-industry, and construction, and are ready to extend that experience to Central Africa.

Regional Integration and Connectivity

Diop also emphasized the importance of regional integration for the landlocked CAR: “The CAR needs corridors — access to ports, transport routes, and cross-border cooperation. These infrastructures are essential to connect production areas with markets. Many technical and financial partners are already mobilized, and this is a critical priority for Central Africa.”

Restoring Confidence and Building Partnerships

Reflecting on the outcomes of the Round Table, Diop identified three key results:

• Renewed confidence in the CAR’s security environment, with President Touadéra and his government offering reassurance to investors.

• Strong mobilization of technical and financial partners to support CAR’s development.

• Clear commitment from the private sector, both Moroccan and Central African, to collaborate on the implementation of Ambition28

He revealed that a major exploratory mission of Moroccan private sector actors is already being prepared to visit Bangui in the coming weeks, underlining Morocco’s intention to translate commitments into concrete action.

“If we want to build strong relations in the CAR as Moroccan private sector actors, it is important that we work hand in hand with the Central African private sector. That is the spirit of our approach.”

Watch the full interview with Africa24 here.