Digitalization stands at the center of continental reforms shaping Africa’s economic future and long-term competitiveness. By 2050, Africa’s digital efforts are projected to represent 8.5% of total GDP, reaching $712 billion. A great deal of this value creation is set to come from the Central African Republic as it takes ambitious steps toward becoming a modern and inclusive national economy.
Across CAR’s government institutions, digitalization has early on been recognized as a critical priority. As part of the visionary National Development Plan, the government is rolling out a foundational digital identity system – SNID. This flagship initiative is designed to create a unified and secure digital identity for all residents, while accelerating e-government and enhancing transparency across public services. As a core infrastructure under the National Development Plan 2024–2028, SNID is envisioned as a basis for a cohesive ecosystem of digital platforms, interconnecting with systems like eTax, customs (Sidonia World), budget management (SIMBA) and civil registry.
“Digitalization is at the heart of our reforms. […] All of these initiatives will enable us to increase transparency, significantly reduce tax fraud and broaden our tax base – an absolutely essential lever. These advances will naturally contribute to a sustainable increase in domestic revenue.” – Hervé Ndoba, Minister of Finance
Another recent milestone in CAR’s digital journey is the official launch of Starlink’s internet services. Satellite-based technology will tackle limited connectivity that remains one of the country’s biggest current challenges. By remarkably expanding nationwide coverage and broadening internet access in rural areas, Starlink’s network is on course to foster digital transformation across the whole country.
Telecommunications are following the same trend of digital expansion, recording annual growth of 16%. Among the most important projects in this sector stands the planned installation of 3,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable. Aimed at further reinforcing connectivity across key regions, this initiative goes far beyond technical modernization. It is set to create real conditions for inclusivity and become a key driver of local entrepreneurship.
“In terms of mobile phone services, online payments, e-banking and new information and communication technologies, there is a real acceleration effect that has already begun in the Central African Republic. And this has led to a boom in economic activity thanks to these tools that we are beginning to experiment with.” – Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation.
CAR’s population is known as one of the world’s youngest. Its citizens are energetic, ambitious and are not afraid of change but encourage it. Supported by opportunities opened up by the NDP, including targeted investments in education and digital training, a new generation of tech entrepreneurs is starting to develop competitive digital solutions. Their activities are setting the long-term direction for the country’s technological progress, proving that human capital is indeed a key asset of CAR’s bold transformation.