The Central African Republic (CAR), although rich in natural resources, has an economic structure characterized by high dependence on exports of raw materials (wood, gold, diamonds) and low levels of local processing. This configuration limits the prospects for value-added creation and economic diversification. In addition, the private sector remains dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the majority of which operate in the informal sector, with limited access to financing, technology, market information and logistical infrastructure.
Despite this situation, the country enjoys a comparative advantage in several key sectors, notably timber and certain food and cash crops. In addition, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will open up new prospects for improving competitiveness, notably through better regional integration of SMEs.
In order to strengthen the country's capacity to benefit from the FTAA, the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, have commissioned a study on the opportunities, constraints and recommendations related to SME participation in regional value chains. The study is part of UNCTAD's multi-country regional project, which aims to equip policymakers and businesses with analytical tools, policy incentives and market data.
The national workshop to validate the national impact study aims to:
1. Present the results of the UNECA-UNCTAD report on advancing the participation of CAR SMEs in regional value chains;
2. Validate the proposed conclusions and recommendations, through comments and suggestions from stakeholders;
3. Identify policy tools, incentives and mechanisms likely to strengthen the integration of Central African SMEs in regional value chains;
4. Promote national dialogue between public and private stakeholders and technical partners to support implementation of the recommendations.