Focus on Investors: Second Day of the Round Table

Casablanca, September 15, 2025 – The second day of the Investment Round Table unfolded with strong energy and a clear focus on translating vision into action for the Central African Republic (CAR) with the second day dedicated to the Investor Forum.

The day began 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 official session opened with a series of statements from Moroccan and Central African representatives, as well as international partners. Emphasis was placed on mobilizing African dynamism, with Casablanca presented as a model platform for translating ambition into action. Abdou Diop, representing the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, stressed the importance of partnership. It was also highlighted that through collaboration with other nations, the Central African Republic can look into the future without fear—transforming ambition into tangible economic progress.

Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), underlined the continuity of momentum: “This investment forum builds on the momentum following the African Caucus and the Spring Meetings in Washington, where the National Development Plan was first presented. Today, we take the next step—translating vision into action.” She reaffirmed that the IFC and World Bank have already mobilized USD 2.3 billion in support of the CAR’s trajectory.

Minister Filakota: “The Central African Republic Is Back”

Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, reaffirmed the CAR’s transformation journey. He declared that “The Central African Republic is back”— back and visible again on the international stage, thanks to our partners, investors, and the private sector.” Filakota extended an open invitation to investors and development partners to join what he described as a “historic endeavour for innovation and investment.”

“Business Ready”: Assessment of CAR’s Investment Climate

A key segment was the presentation by Charlotte Ndaw Sako of the IFC, who introduced the findings of the new Business Ready (B-READY) program. The initiative provides a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of investment climates, confirming both the CAR’s progress and its strong potential. At the same time, Ndaw Sako pointed to areas requiring improvement, including the development of financial services, market competition, and the fiscal system. She emphasized that reforms in infrastructure, digitalization, and enterprise access to investment are decisive for enhancing competitiveness.

Panel on Special Economic Zones and Value Chains

The morning was concluded by a strategic panel on Special Economic Zones and Value Chains, moderated by the World Bank with the participation of Thierry Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry of the CAR. The discussion highlighted the role of economic zones as engines for industrialization, diversification, and job creation — particularly for the CAR’s young population. Throughout the debate, the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) was emphasized.

A Strategic Partnership With Morocco

A recurring theme of the day was the strong partnership between Morocco and the CAR. Leaders from both nations reaffirmed that their cooperation goes beyond bilateral ties, serving as a symbol of a broader continental vision: one in which African nations join forces to shape a prosperous and innovative future.

The afternoon continued with the signings of several MoUs and was concluded by a final speech by his Excellence, Prof. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who shared is thoughts on the succesful Round Table and the confidence with which the Central African Republic is now looking into the future with. He reaffirmed that the Central African Republic is in movement and will follow up the Round Table, as the first step of realizing the country’s vision, with eager ambition and determination to create a prosperous future for all the people. Touadéra highlighted the importance of the private sector at “the heart of the strategy” and thanked the Kingdom of Morocco, the investors, the institutions, participants and media for the historic Round Table. 

Another short video on the second day of the Round Table from Africa24 TV can be watched here.