• The Central African Republic became the 46th member of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

• The partnership aims to boost investment in energy, transport, and natural resources.

• The country’s economy is expected to grow 2.1% in 2025, below its 3.1% population growth rate.

The Central African Republic (CAR) has officially joined the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), becoming the 46th member of the pan-African infrastructure financing institution. The move aims to unlock innovative funding mechanisms and catalyze development in key sectors including energy, transport, and natural resources.

Membership grants CAR access to the AFC’s technical, financial, and strategic expertise, helping the government attract private investment and accelerate its national development plan.

Finance Minister Hervé Ndoba said the decision marks a turning point for the country’s economic ambitions.

“Joining the Africa Finance Corporation opens a new chapter in the Central African Republic’s path to development. The Corporation’s expertise in mining and renewable energy perfectly aligns with our national priorities, and we are proud to share its vision of infrastructure-driven industrial growth,” Ndoba said.

The CAR, rich in diamonds, gold, and timber, holds significant economic potential. Yet, harnessing these resources for inclusive growth remains a challenge. Through the AFC partnership, the government hopes to strengthen industrial foundations, modernize infrastructure, and create jobs to diversify its economy.

AFC President and CEO Samaila Zubairu highlighted the country’s vast resource endowment.

“The Central African Republic is among Africa’s richest nations in natural resources,” Zubairu said. “We look forward to working with the government to deliver transformative infrastructure projects that will drive job creation, industrialization, and deeper regional integration.”

CAR’s economy shows early signs of recovery. The World Bank projects 2.1% GDP growth in 2025, supported by improved fuel supply and a gradual rebound in telecommunications. However, persistent electricity shortages continue to weigh on business activity, particularly in the capital, Bangui.

The country’s economic expansion remains below population growth, underscoring the urgency of structural reforms and investment in basic services.

With this accession, CAR joins Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Chad as members of the AFC within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). Equatorial Guinea remains the only CEMAC country outside the institution.

This article was initially published in French by Sandrine Gaingne

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum