Press Release

Urban Economy Forum and Central African Republic Move to Establish Partnership for Global Cohesion Initiative on Africa’s Sustainable Development

Bangui, Central African Republic – April 2025

His Excellency, Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic (CAR), has expressed strong commitment to a groundbreaking partnership with the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), marking a bold step toward positioning CAR as the first African frontrunner in the Global Cohesion Initiative for Africa’s Sustainable Development.

During a recent high-level mission to Bangui, Mr. Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the UEF, met with President Touadéra at the Presidential Palace, alongside key cabinet officials, including Finance and Budget Minister Hervé Ndoba. These productive discussions led to a mutual intention to sign a formal agreement between the Government of CAR and the UEF.

This forthcoming agreement will serve as a strategic framework for long-term collaboration to enhance CAR’s development capacity through international cooperation, sustainable investment, and institutional innovation.

Despite its exceptional ecological wealth—particularly as a key custodian of the Congo Basin, home to a major share of the world’s remaining tropical forests—CAR continues to face significant development hurdles. According to the World Bank, the country endures persistent fuel shortages, weak infrastructure, and a poverty rate exceeding 65%, with economic growth projected at just 0.7% in 2024.

The Global Cohesion Initiative aims to convert these challenges into opportunities by promoting inclusive green growth, strengthening forest governance, and introducing innovative financing mechanisms such as biodiversity offsets, environmental levies, and support for sustainable local industries. The initiative highlights the global environmental importance of CAR’s forests and the need for urgent international collaboration.

President Touadéra and Mr. Pourvaziry jointly affirmed the strategic nature of this emerging partnership, stating:

“This agreement represents a bold step toward positioning the Central African Republic as a global development laboratory—where shared responsibility and innovative thinking can deliver real, sustainable change.”

Backed by Canada’s ongoing support and the UEF’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this partnership opens a new chapter in aligning global expertise with Africa’s development priorities.

Urban Economy Forum