Bangui, Central African Republic – The Central African Republic marked a decisive step in the modernization of its transport infrastructure this Saturday, November 1, 2025. Professor Faustin Archange Touadéra , President of the Republic, presided over the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the headquarters of Trans African Railways System LTD (TARSL) in the village of Pani, located 30 kilometers from Bangui.

This ceremony, held under the high patronage of the Head of State, symbolizes a major turning point in the public-private partnership between the Central African Republic and this British private company.

🇬🇧 A High-Level Strategic Partnership

Numerous national and international figures graced the event with their presence, underlining the importance of the project. Among them were the President of the National Assembly, Simplice Mathieu Sarandji , Prime Minister Félix Moloua , as well as other heads of institutions, members of the government, and local authorities.

The British delegation was led by Sir John Peace , Chairman of the Board of Directors of TARSL. He paid tribute to President Touadéra's vision:

“When we had the pleasure of welcoming you to London last September, we sensed your commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Central African Republic. The trans-African railway represents much more than a simple transport project: it symbolizes the connection of regions, people and markets , both nationally and globally,” he stated.

Previously, Clément Godane , the mayor of Bégoua, had expressed the gratitude of his population for the numerous presidential achievements, hailing this railway project as a true vector of the future for the municipality.

🛤️ Opening up isolated areas, the heart of the National Strategy

Herbert Gontran Djono Ahaba , Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, stressed how this initiative responds to the presidential strategy of opening up the country.

“The geographical situation of the CAR makes transport difficult. Thanks to this strategic partnership with our British friends, we are launching an ambitious rail initiative linking Bangui to Cameroon via Ombella-Mpoko, Lobaye and Mambéré-Kadéï, to the Port of Kribi in Cameroon,” he explained.

This project is not merely logistical; it is also economic . It is closely linked to the future exploitation of the country's vast iron ore resources , whose reserves are estimated at several billion tons of very high quality. Once construction begins, it is also expected to be a significant source of employment for both local and international workers .

Feasibility studies are currently underway to finalize the overall cost of the project before the actual start of construction work on the railway network.

🌟 A Historic Moment

Surrounded by the highest authorities, President Touadéra symbolically laid the foundation stone , thus marking the beginning of a new era for the Central African Republic. This powerful gesture reflects the hope of a country resolutely moving towards opening up and achieving emergence through the modernization of its transport infrastructure.