The countdown is over. The inaugural Bangui Financial Days (BFD) launches tomorrow, marking a pivotal moment for the Central African Republic’s economy.

Under the theme “Investment, innovation, inclusion: transforming the economic and financial potential of the Central African Republic,” this high-level event gathers key decision-makers for one critical mission: to build a roadmap for shared prosperity.

The Core Challenge: A Catalyst for Inclusion

The BFD is a direct response to a pressing challenge: in 2021, the nation’s financial inclusion rate was only 7%, far from the 60% goal set by CEMAC for 2029.

BFD aims to be a “catalyst for change,” creating a platform to democratize access to essential financial services—savings, credit, insurance, and payments—for all, particularly in rural areas and for SMEs.

What to Expect: Action Over Theory

Tomorrow’s agenda is packed with decisive sessions:

• High-Level Dialogue: A pragmatic discussion on turning the CAR into a Central African financial hub, featuring key government ministers and banking leaders.
• Digital Transformation Panel: Exploring the power of mobile money and fintech with leaders from the telecom and banking sectors.
• Practical Masterclasses: Hands-on workshops for entrepreneurs on topics like “Digitizing your SME” and “How to build a solid case for financing.”
• BFD Awards: The day will conclude with a Gala Dinner celebrating the actors and innovations already making an impact on the country’s financial landscape.

With a focus on concrete partnerships between the public sector, private banks, and tech innovators, the Bangui Financial Days are set to be the starting point for tangible economic transformation.

Meet the Key Speakers: The Voices Shaping the Debate

The event’s strength lies in its exceptional lineup of high-level decision-makers from government, finance, and industry. Here are some of the key figures who will be leading the discussions:

Government & Regulation:

• S.E.M Hervé NDOBA: Minister of Finance and Budget, Central African Republic.
• S.E.M Richard FILAKOTA: Minister of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation, Central African Republic.
• Ali CHAÏBOU: National Director, Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
• Stanislas Marcelin GREBABA: Director of On-Site Control, Banking Commission of Central Africa (COBAC).

Banking & Financial Leadership:

• Félix Landry NJOUME: President of APECCA (Professional Association of Credit Establishments) & CEO, Ecobank Centrafrique.
• Valentin MBOZO’O: Chief Executive Officer, GIMAC (Groupement Interbancaire Monétique de l’Afrique Centrale).
• Hervé Ghislain KOGBOMA-YOGO: Chief Executive Officer, BGFI Bank Centrafrique.
• Dramane CISSÉ: Chief Executive Officer, Banque Populaire Maroco-Centrafricaine (BPMC).
• Mamadou Pethé DIALLO: Chief Executive Officer, BSIC Centrafrique SA.
• Mirabelle NSIKAHANA: Country Representative, BDEAC (Development Bank of Central African States).

Industry & International Partners:

• Max FRANCISCO: Chief Executive Officer, Orange Centrafrique.
• Laurence NASSIF: President, Groupement Interprofessionnel de Centrafrique (GICA).
• Ange Claver KOUASSI: Country Representative (Cameroon & CAR), International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group).
• David Festus BAKASSA: Project Coordinator, I-Compete, World Bank.
• Monhamed JI COMPAORÉ: Chief Executive Officer, SUNU Assurances IARD Centrafrique.