CAR Miracle: Gold Brings Returns to the Country

By Sophie HERVOUET | LNC Translated into English by Karen Ann SULLIVAN l LNC

(Bangui, August 7, 2026 | LAMIINE MÉDIA) It has long been known that the Central African Republic was sitting on untapped wealth—or rather, wealth exploited by the informal sector and various illicit trades. However, a major shift has occurred: aided by highly favorable international market conditions, the country saw its exports soar to $313 million in 2025. This is a welcome boost for the Central African economy. It is worth noting, however, that this windfall arrived somewhat fortuitously; the global gold market surged due to bank purchasing, while other resources—such as diamonds and oil—continue to be exploited illicitly, beyond the government's control. Yet, the success of gold masks a larger issue: the structural weaknesses of Central African foreign trade remain. Revenue relies heavily on a handful of commodities (such as timber), leaving the country vulnerable to price shocks and economic downturns. Diamonds, once a source of great hope, are struggling to regain their former luster. As for timber—the country's second-largest export—it is hampered by the nation's landlocked status, poor road infrastructure, and security tensions in certain production zones (stemming primarily from Russian mercenaries, whom President Touadéra refers to as "allies"). Meanwhile, the agricultural sector—particularly cotton and coffee—remains far below its potential due to a lack of investment in rural infrastructure. Consequently, the challenge for the coming years will be to transform this unexpected gold windfall into a driver of sustainable development. This entails strengthening mining taxation, improving royalty collection, and channeling a portion of the revenue toward diversifying the productive base. Furthermore, the authorities will also have to contend with the IMF’s or World Bank’s growing demands regarding transparency.

For: LAMINE MEDIA Website: (in FR and GB)

Date: August 7, 2026

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