African Development Bank Pushes to Unblock Infrastructure Projects in CAR

Delegation leaders Régis Lakoué Derant and Léandre Bassolé held high-level talks with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and key cabinet ministers to overhaul project management. The strategy shifts focus toward improving procurement speed and accountability within sectoral ministries. These systemic adjustments aim to inject momentum into critical infrastructure, particularly the $282 million Corridor 13 project and the modernization of Bangui-M'Poko International Airport.

While the Bossarangba–Mbaïki road section has reached 98 percent completion, the Corridor 13 project faces ongoing friction due to land compensation delays. Lakoué Derant emphasized that proactive planning for community compensation is essential to prevent future bottlenecks. Parallel to road development, the bank is financing a new cardiology centre in Damara, which is currently half-finished. Meanwhile, upgrades to the Bangui-M'Poko terminal and power station are nearing the final stages, with progress exceeding 90 percent. These initiatives, funded by a $13.67 million grant, are designed to align the airport with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and secure vital regional trade links.