The Central African Republic is pursuing deeper cooperation with France to strengthen its digital economy as African governments increasingly turn to international partnerships to expand digital infrastructure, improve digital skills, and modernize public services. The initiative aligns with Bangui’s broader strategy to leverage digital technologies as a driver of socio-economic development
The Central African Republic (CAR) is seeking closer cooperation with France to accelerate the development of its digital economy, reflecting a broader trend among African countries to leverage international partnerships to advance digital transformation and access technical expertise. The initiative is part of the government’s wider strategy to use digital innovation to promote inclusive socio-economic development
The partnership was discussed during a meeting on Friday, June 26, between CAR’s Minister of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications, Roger Andjalandji, and a French delegation led by Ambassador Bruno Foucher. According to the government, the proposed collaboration will initially focus on developing local talent through training programs for young entrepreneurs and startup founders. “I can assure you that France is here to support the Central African Republic in developing this strategic sector,” said Efi Frager, Head of the Regional Economic Department based in Yaoundé.
Despite its ambitions, the Central African Republic continues to face significant structural challenges that hinder digital development, including limited infrastructure, low internet adoption and weak digital governance
The country’s digital divide remains pronounced. According to the GSMA’s Mobile Connectivity Index, 2G and 3G networks covered about 60% of the population in 2024. While these technologies still dominate the country’s mobile infrastructure, they are increasingly obsolete compared with global standards. Commercial 4G services were launched only in 2025 and operators are continuing to expand coverage. Internet usage also remains among the lowest in the world. Official figures indicate that around 70% of the population is still offline. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reported internet penetration of just 13.8% in 2024, while mobile penetration stood at 39.8%.
Geographic constraints have also slowed connectivity. For years, the Central African Republic depended primarily on satellite links for international bandwidth because it lacked direct terrestrial access to regional fiber-optic networks. A 2020 World Bank study found that this dependence limited competition, increased connectivity costs and discouraged private investment. Since then, the country has established fiber-optic links with Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, while authorities continue to explore additional regional connections.
Digital public services also remain underdeveloped. The United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index ranked the Central African Republic 193rd and last globally, with a score of 0.0947 out of 1, well below both the African average of 0.4247 and the global average of 0.6382. The ITU also places the country in the lowest tier of its Global Cybersecurity Index
The two governments have not disclosed the specific areas of cooperation under the proposed partnership. However, France has extensive expertise in several areas where the Central African Republic faces persistent challenges. According to the ITU, France achieved 99% 4G population coverage in 2024 and 93% 5G coverage in 2023. Internet penetration reached 88.7%, while mobile penetration stood at 95.9%. France also ranks among the global leaders in digital public services. It scored 0.8744 out of 1 in the United Nations’ E-Government Development Index, ranking 34th worldwide, and is classified by the ITU as a “role-model” country for cybersecurity.
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France is home to major technology and telecommunications companies, including Orange, Capgemini, Thales and OVHcloud, and supports one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems through its French Tech initiative. StartupBlink’s Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 ranked France 11th globally, with unicorns such as Doctolib, Mistral AI, Qonto and Contentsquare contributing to its innovation landscape
