Bangui — June 5, 2026 — The Central African Republic (CAR) has secured a $90 million grant from the World Bank to finance critical road and energy infrastructure projects, marking a major step in boosting connectivity, electricity access, and economic growth.
The funding will support the Bangui-Gara-Mboulaï corridor, a vital trade route linking CAR’s capital to Cameroon through the port of Douala. This corridor handles goods valued at nearly 55 billion CFA francs annually, making it essential for imports and regional commerce. Additionally, the grant will finance the paving of the 145-km Bossembélé-Bossangoa road, improving links between northern and central CAR and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
In the energy sector, the project will expand capacity at the Danzi solar power plant near Bangui, reducing reliance on thermal power and increasing electricity access. Currently, only 14–16% of the population has access to electricity, with rural coverage as low as 4%. State-owned utility ENERCA will also roll out low-cost electricity meters to help low-income households and reduce informal grid connections.
These initiatives form part of CAR’s 2024–2028 National Development Plan, which prioritizes transport and energy as drivers of growth. The World Bank projects CAR’s economy to expand gradually, with growth expected to reach 2.2% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, contingent on progress in energy, agriculture, and services.
