The economic activities in the Central African Republic split across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors, with agriculture an outsized 43.2% of GDP. What are the main economic activities in the Central African Republic? Services add 40.8% and industry 16%, while the 2024 GDP sat near $2.75 billion. Cassava, coffee, and groundnuts sustain rural livelihoods.
The Central African Republic’s economy remains one of the world’s most fragile, with a GDP of approximately $2.75 billion USD in 2024, according to the World Bank. The country’s GDP per capita was approximately $516 USD in 2024, placing it among the lowest in the world. Ongoing political instability, displacement of a large share of the population, and limited infrastructure continue to constrain economic development.
What are the economic activities of Central African Republic?
- Primary activities: approximately 43.2% of GDP (2017 est., CIA World Factbook).
- Secondary activities: approximately 16% of GDP (2017 est., CIA World Factbook).
- Tertiary activities: approximately 40.8% of GDP (2017 est., CIA World Factbook).
Primary Sector of Central African Republic
The primary sector in the Central African Republic is predominantly focused on agriculture, with a diverse range of crops and animal products. The country’s agricultural activities are influenced by its tropical climate and abundant natural resources. Approximately 7.88% of the country’s land is used for agriculture. The main agricultural products include cassava, groundnuts, yams, coffee, maize, sesame seeds, bananas, taro, sugarcane, and beef.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing contribute the largest share to the country’s GDP. Despite ongoing instability, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy by providing employment and sustenance for a significant portion of the population — approximately 74% of the labor force is engaged in agricultural activities. The variety of crops and animal products highlights the importance of the agricultural sector in supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security in the Central African Republic.
The country’s geological diversity, rich in minerals and forests, contributes to abundant natural resources. Diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, and hydropower drive its economy, supporting industries and providing revenue.Secondary Sector of Central African Republic
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In the Central African Republic, main industrial products include brewing and sugar refining. Brewing involves the production of beverages, while sugar refining is the process of purifying sugar for various uses. These products are essential for the country’s economy and contribute to its industrial growth.Manufactures in the total exports of Central African Republic are not significant, accounting for only 37.99% in 2023, indicating a heavy reliance on other sectors for export revenue.Tertiary sector of Central African Republic
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Central African Republic
The military is a good example of many economic activities. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment. The tertiary sector covers services provided by the military, while the quaternary sector focuses on military research and development. Finally, the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy for military operations.
In 2023, the Central African Republic’s military expenditure was approximately $62.3 million, which represents approximately 2.4% of its GDP (as reported by SIPRI). The active military force consists of 9,150 personnel, resulting in about 1.8 active military members per 1,000 people in the country.
International Trade of Central African Republic
Import Activities of Central African Republic
The import activities of the Central African Republic are significant, accounting for approximately 29% of GDP, totaling around $736 million in 2023, according to World Bank WITS.The Central African Republic’s main import partners are Cameroon, the US, China, France, and South Korea. They primarily import refined petroleum, engines, aircraft, prefabricated buildings, and packaged medicine.Exports Activities of Central African Republic
The total merchandise exports of Central African Republic in 2023 were approximately $113 million, accounting for about 14.4% of its GDP, according to World Bank WITS. Export activities constitute a relatively low share of GDP, with the country’s economy oriented primarily toward domestic consumption and subsistence agriculture.The Central African Republic exports mainly gold, wood, diamonds, vehicle parts/accessories, and electrical machinery. Its top export partners in 2023 were the UAE (approximately 69%), Italy (7%), and France (6%), according to World Bank WITS.Central African Republic economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, the Central African Republic faces challenges due to its enormous natural resources, extreme poverty, weak institutions, and political violence. The displacement of 25% of the population, along with the Bangui-Douala corridor blockade, hinders economic activity and tax collection. Despite a strong agricultural sector, the country struggles with ongoing issues.Sources
- World Bank Data: Central African Republic
- IMF: Central African Republic
- CIA World Factbook: Central African Republic
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
- World Bank WITS: Central African Republic 2023
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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