The Central African Republic (CAR) held talks with the World Bank aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and expanding access to e-commerce and digital payments, officials said.
Justin Gourna Zacko, the country’s Minister of Digital Economy, met with a World Bank delegation to discuss CAR’s participation in the Central African Digital Integration Program (CARDIP), a regional initiative supported by the institution.
“Strengthening public digital infrastructure is critical to fostering innovation, improving service delivery, and supporting entrepreneurship in CAR,” the minister told AFP.
CARDIP, launched by the World Bank, aims to accelerate digital integration across Central Africa by expanding broadband connectivity, enabling secure data flows, and developing online services. The program brings together six Central African countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the CAR.
Despite recent efforts to incorporate digital development into its national development strategy, CAR remains one of the least connected countries in the world. Internet penetration reached only 12 percent by the end of 2025, according to DataReportal. Electricity access, a prerequisite for reliable digital services, also remains limited at just 17 percent in 2023, according to World Bank data.
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“Digital infrastructure is the backbone of modern economies. Expanding access is essential to bridging the digital divide and supporting sustainable economic growth,” the World Bank delegation said in a statement after the talks.
Officials said the discussions focused on several CARDIP objectives, including expanding broadband networks, reinforcing cross-border digital interconnections, and creating secure public digital platforms. The initiative also includes programs to enhance digital skills and literacy, particularly for young people and small business owners.
Authorities in Bangui expressed optimism that improved digital infrastructure would accelerate the adoption of e-payments, facilitate access to administrative services, and foster growth in the country’s nascent e-commerce sector.
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“CAR’s participation in CARDIP is a strategic opportunity to leapfrog traditional development constraints and integrate more fully into the regional and global digital economy,” said the minister.
The initiative is designed not only to improve public digital services but also to attract private sector investment and encourage local entrepreneurship. By enhancing connectivity and digital service delivery, the program aims to create an ecosystem that supports innovation and sustainable economic growth across the Central African region.
While CAR faces persistent challenges such as limited electricity and low internet coverage, officials stressed that the program could provide a foundation for long-term digital transformation. Regional cooperation under CARDIP is expected to improve cross-border e-commerce, facilitate regional trade, and promote the free flow of digital services across Central Africa.
The World Bank has noted that several Central African countries face structural barriers to digital development, including fragmented infrastructure, insufficient regulatory frameworks, and low digital literacy. CARDIP aims to address these issues through targeted investments and coordinated policy reforms.
Experts say that, if successfully implemented, the program could play a key role in integrating the CAR economy into the broader regional digital market, offering opportunities for small businesses, public services, and educational institutions.
“Digital connectivity is no longer optional for economic participation; it is a prerequisite for growth, investment, and inclusion,” the World Bank said.
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The talks in Bangui mark a significant step in CAR’s efforts to modernize its digital landscape, laying the groundwork for a more connected, efficient, and resilient economy capable of supporting the population’s growing demand for digital services.
