The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has reaffirmed its long-term development commitment to the Central African Republic (CAR) following the official assumption of office by Mamadou Coulibaly as Head of the Bank’s Country Office.
Coulibaly formally presented his letters of accreditation on 26 January 2026 to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad, Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, marking a new phase in the Bank’s engagement with the country at a time of critical economic recovery and reform.
Welcoming the AfDB’s continued presence, Minister Baïpo-Temon highlighted the importance of deepening the strategic partnership between the Bank and the Central African Republic to accelerate national development priorities.
In response, Coulibaly expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the AfDB by the CAR government, pledging close collaboration with national authorities to support economic growth, social development, and institutional reforms.
“My mission will be to consolidate the gains already achieved while pursuing innovative and practical solutions that strengthen cooperation between the Bank and the Central African Republic,” he said, noting that AfDB interventions will remain aligned with the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2024–2028 and the Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points.
As part of his official engagements, Coulibaly met with the Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Richard Filakota, who also serves as the AfDB Governor for the Central African Republic. Discussions centred on the implementation of the NDP 2024–2028, ongoing structural reforms, and opportunities for scaling up AfDB support to drive economic recovery and structural transformation.
The AfDB Country Head also held talks with Prime Minister Félix Moloua, reviewing government priorities following the recent NDP roundtable and underscoring the Bank’s role in supporting public policy implementation, particularly in stabilisation, resilience-building, and long-term development.
Over the past five years, the African Development Bank Group has significantly expanded its operations in the Central African Republic, tripling its portfolio to $583 million by 2025. Within this period, the Bank approved ten investment projects and two budget support operations valued at $492 million, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s reform trajectory.
Looking ahead to 2026, additional AfDB financing is planned to support youth employment, health services, and transport infrastructure, including the construction of a strategic bridge over the Ubangi River. New budget support operations are also expected to reinforce government-led reforms aimed at strengthening economic governance and resilience.
