AfDB Appoints New Country Head as Investment in CAR Reaches $583 Million

Minister Baïpo-Temon welcomed the Bank Group’s continued support and underscored the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the AfDB and the Central African Republic.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Central African Republic’s development agenda, as Mamadou Coulibaly formally took up his role as Head of the Bank’s Country Office in Bangui.

On 26 January 2026, Mr Coulibaly presented his letters of accreditation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad, Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, marking the start of his official mandate.

Minister Baïpo-Temon welcomed the Bank Group’s continued support and underscored the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the AfDB and the Central African Republic.

Focus on Economic Recovery and Structural Transformation

Mr Coulibaly thanked the Government for the confidence placed in the Bank Group and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with national authorities to advance the country’s economic and social development.

“My mission will be to work alongside the government to consolidate the gains already achieved, while exploring concrete and innovative solutions to further strengthen the partnership between the Bank and the Central African Republic,” he said. “This will be done in line with the priorities of the National Development Plan 2024–2028 and the Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points.”

High-Level Meetings Reinforce Alignment with National Priorities

As part of his introductory engagements, Mr Coulibaly met with the Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Richard Filakota, who also serves as the African Development Bank’s Governor for the Central African Republic.

Discussions focused on implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2024–2028, ongoing structural reforms, and prospects for continued AfDB support to the country’s economic recovery and long-term transformation.

The following day, Mr Coulibaly was received by Prime Minister Félix Moloua. The meeting reviewed government priorities following the NDP round table and highlighted the AfDB’s central role in supporting public policy, particularly in the areas of stabilisation, resilience and development.

AfDB Portfolio Triples to $583 Million

Over the past five years, the African Development Bank Group has significantly scaled up its engagement in the Central African Republic. The value of its active portfolio has tripled, reaching $583 million in 2025.

During this period, the Bank approved ten investment projects and two budget support operations, totalling $492 million. These interventions have supported key sectors critical to stability, service delivery and economic recovery.

Further financing is planned for 2026, including support for youth employment, health services and transport infrastructure. Notable upcoming investments include the construction of a bridge over the Ubangi River, as well as new budget support operations to back government-led reforms.

Strengthening a Strategic Development Partnership

The appointment of a new Country Office head comes as the AfDB and the Central African Republic seek to deepen cooperation under the 2024–2028 National Development Plan, aligning financing with national priorities and the Bank’s strategic objectives.

With an expanded portfolio and additional investments in the pipeline, the AfDB is positioning itself as a key long-term partner in the country’s stabilisation, resilience-building and sustainable development efforts.