As part of its continued support to the economic transformation of the Central African Republic, the Subregional Office for Central Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is organizing, on 5–6 May 2026 in Bangui, a strategic workshop dedicated to strengthening the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing finance.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to support the integration of Central African SMEs into regional and continental value chains, in line with the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Despite their central role in job creation and national production, SMEs in the Central African Republic continue to face major structural constraints, among which limited access to finance remains a critical barrier to their growth, competitiveness, and market integration.

The workshop aims to equip SMEs with the technical and practical tools needed to structure bankable projects, improve financial management, and engage effectively with financial institutions. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical simulations, participants will strengthen their ability to transform entrepreneurial initiatives into credible investment opportunities.

Beyond individual capacity-building, the ultimate objective of this activity is to catalyze structural change by positioning SMEs as a key driver of economic diversification, industrialization, and resilience in the Central African Republic. By facilitating access to finance, the initiative seeks to unlock their productive potential, enhance their participation in regional trade, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth at the national level.

This workshop therefore represents a key step toward building a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of supporting the country’s economic transformation agenda and its effective integration into African and global trade dynamics.