Central African Republic’s Leadership Praised at IMF–World Bank Meetings

Washington/Bangui, October 21, 2025 – Africa’s economic growth remains resilient in the face of mounting global challenges — that was the key message emerging from the 2025 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., where high-profile African ministers and central bank governors gathered to assess the continent’s outlook and policy priorities.

At the center of the discussions was Hervé Ndoba, Minister of Finance and Budget of the Central African Republic and current Chair of the African Caucus, who joined IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in presenting the Caucus’s conclusions and reaffirming the continent’s shared commitment to stability, reform, and inclusive growth.

Resilient Growth in a Volatile World

In their joint statement, the IMF and Ndoba highlighted that Africa’s growth is projected to remain steady at 4.2% in 2025, supported by easing inflation, stronger macroeconomic management, and structural reforms across the continent. Inflation is expected to decline to an average of 4%, while debt levels have stabilized around 65% of GDP.

However, the ministers also acknowledged persistent global headwinds — including rising protectionism, policy uncertainty, tight financing conditions, and climate shocks. In some of Africa’s most vulnerable economies, extreme weather events are already reducing annual output by 1–2 percentage points, underscoring the urgency of climate adaptation measures.

Fiscal Reforms and Inclusive Development

Minister Ndoba emphasized that the focus must now shift from policy discussion to action. “African countries are maintaining discipline and driving reforms even in difficult circumstances,” he noted. “Our goal is to make growth inclusive, sustainable, and focused on real results for our citizens.”

Across the continent, governments are implementing medium-term fiscal strategies to balance consolidation with growth, expand access to social services, and prioritize investment in human capital. Efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization — through the digitalization of tax systems, enhanced fiscal transparency, and anti-corruption measures — are central to these reform agendas.

The IMF commended these initiatives, noting that fiscal discipline and governance reforms are beginning to yield tangible results, improving efficiency and freeing up space for priority investments in infrastructure, education, and health.

Concessional Financing and Structural Transformation

The meetings also highlighted recent progress in concessional and long-term financing mechanisms that will help African economies build resilience. The Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) has been reformed to provide zero-interest loans to the poorest countries, with new commitments expected to average SDR 5.2 billion (approximately USD 7.1 billion) per year.

Meanwhile, the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) — designed to support climate adaptation, pandemic preparedness, and structural reforms — has approved 26 programs to date, nearly half of them in Africa. Georgieva reaffirmed the Fund’s support:

“The IMF remains strongly committed to its African members, helping them build fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital investments, while strengthening institutional capacity and resilience.”

Central African Republic’s Continued Leadership

The recognition of Minister Ndoba’s leadership in Washington follows the successful hosting of the 20th African Caucus in Bangui earlier this year, which gathered more than 500 delegates from 55 countries. That event — the first of its kind held in the Central African Republic — was widely praised for its organization and impact, setting the stage for a renewed dialogue on Africa’s growth strategy.

At the Washington meetings, the Central African delegation once again received praise from senior IMF and World Bank officials for its stewardship of the Caucus and its commitment to advancing the National Development Plan, the country’s roadmap centered on resilience, human capital, and sustainable infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The tone in Washington was one of cautious optimism. With reforms underway, debt pressures stabilizing, and stronger cooperation among African states and their international partners, the continent is charting a path toward greater resilience and self-sustained growth.

For Minister Ndoba and the Central African Republic, the message is clear:
Africa’s economic future will be shaped by action, reform, and partnership — and Bangui intends to remain at the heart of that effort.

Watch the full report by Africa24 TV here.