The Office of the Executive Director supported the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) in organizing a high-level virtual conference held on March 28, 2026. Led by the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation, the event brought together key partners, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as representatives of the Central African diaspora from around the world.
Co-moderated by Mr. Franklin-Melnick Dackpa, Director General of Economy and Alternate Governor of the World Bank Group (WBG) for CAR, and Ms. Marlène Suzie Nzengou, Alternate Executive Director of the WBG for CAR, the meeting provided a valuable platform for dialogue on the role of the diaspora and its potential collaboration with IFC and IOM in the country’s economic transformation process. This initiative is part of the implementation of the National Development Plan 2024-2028, which sets out a strategic vision to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth.
In his opening remarks, Professor Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation and Governor of the WBG for CAR, emphasized that CAR is at a pivotal stage in its development. The country is transitioning toward a new paradigm, shifting from a constrained economy to one driven by opportunities and competitiveness, with stronger integration of its diaspora.
The presentation by the Office of the WBG Executive Director for Africa Group II, which represents 23 countries, including CAR, on the WBG Board, further reinforced this vision by highlighting the strategic role of the African diaspora in mobilizing resources, skills, and networks. In his remarks, Mr. Émile Ekamby, Assistant to the Executive Director, underscored that the diaspora is a key driver not only for investment but also for knowledge sharing and the strengthening of economic dynamics. As such, it represents significant human and financial capital with the potential to make a substantial impact on growth and development.
Building on these discussions, IFC provided a comprehensive overview of its instruments and solutions designed to support investors, including those from the diaspora. Mr. Ange Claver Kouassi, IFC Country Manager for Cameroon and CAR, emphasized the central role of the private sector as a driver of growth. He presented IFC’s integrated offering, combining financing, advisory services, and asset management, tailored to the specific needs of projects. He also informed participants about access to financing, the investment cycle, and opportunities in strategic sectors, illustrated by concrete examples across Africa and ongoing initiatives in CAR.
Furthermore, Ms. Naomi Shiferaw Kebede, Sr. Migration and Development Specialist, presented IOM’s mandate, which focuses on promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration. It supports governments in managing migration flows, particularly by enhancing the contribution of migrants and diaspora communities to sustainable development. This approach emphasizes strengthening partnerships for regular migration and supporting diaspora members and associations in the design and implementation of projects, thereby enabling a more structured and effective mobilization of this potential.
The active participation of diaspora representatives from Africa, North America, and Europe enriched the discussions through the sharing of concrete experiences and diverse perspectives. These contributions highlighted the growing engagement of Central Africans abroad in national development, particularly through investment, entrepreneurship, and skills transfer. Testimonies from those who have chosen to return and invest in CAR illustrated existing opportunities, while also outlining their expectations and areas for improvement to further strengthen the business climate. The Q&A session provided an opportunity to deepen discussions on investment conditions and support mechanisms that could facilitate greater diaspora engagement.
This initiative underscores the commitment of the Central African Government, through the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation, to integrate the diaspora into the national development process.
