The Central African Republic (CAR) is rich in natural resources, yet it is one of the world’s poorest nations. Diamonds, which make up almost half of the country’s export earnings, are mined in regions like Haute-Sangha and Haute-Kotto.
Other key resources include gold, uranium, and timber. Agriculture, primarily cassava production (over 500,000 tons annually), employs 80% of the workforce.
Forests, covering 36% of CAR’s land, yield timber species like iroko and sapelli, generating 16% of export revenues. Hydropower from the Mbali Lim River provides 80% of the country’s electricity.
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Central African Republic’s (CAR) Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are the natural resources that have been discovered in CAR and their locations:
| Natural Resources | Location |
|---|---|
| Diamonds | Haute-Sangha, Haute-Kotto, Berberati |
| Gold | Haute-Sangha, Haute-Kotto, Berberati |
| Uranium | General deposits |
| Timber | Southwestern forests; species include iroko, sapelli, and sipo |
| Oil | Northern and southern CAR |
| Hydropower | Mbali Lim River, northwest of Bangui (dams) |
| Fish | Ubangi River (fishing and trade with DRC) |
Discoveries Of Central African Republic’s (CAR) Natural Resources
Diamonds were discovered in the 1930s, but it was during the 1960s that they became a major export, with exports rising from 100,000 carats in 1960 to over 400,000 carats by the decade’s end.
Fish farming began in the 1950s along the Ubangi River to boost local food security and job opportunities. In the 1960s and 1970s, gold mining became more general in Haute-Sangha and Haute-Kotto, and by the 1980s, it accounted for about 10% of CAR’s export earnings.
Timber resources were discovered in the 1980s. Timber now makes up around 16% of CAR’s export revenue. In the 2000s, oil prospects were explored in northern and southern CAR, though extraction has been limited due to infrastructure challenges.
However, Diamonds are the most valuable resource, contributing roughly 45% to CAR’s GDP, with exports valued at approximately $100 million in 2020.
Gold mining, active since the 1960s, is also notable, with recent gold exports reaching $50 million. Timber from the southwestern forests, rich in species like iroko and sapelli, continues to be a key export.
Viability Of Central African Republic’s (CAR) Natural Resources
The Central African Republic (CAR) is rich in natural resources such as diamonds, gold, timber, and oil. However, the country faces significant challenges that hinder the effective use of these resources for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
CAR’s landlocked position drives up transportation costs for resource extraction and export. For example, transporting goods from Bangui to the port of Douala in Cameroon can cost up to $1,000 per ton.
Poor roads and limited rail infrastructure worsen these logistical issues, while chronic electricity shortages disrupt mining and industrial operations.
Without investment in infrastructure, CAR struggles to maximize its resource potential. Years of political instability, including coups and armed conflicts, have severely affected the management of resources.
Corruption and mismanagement, often involving local elites, exacerbate the situation. Ongoing conflicts over diamond mining areas disrupt operations and deter foreign investment.
CAR’s forests and biodiversity are at risk due to unsustainable timber harvesting and mining practices.
Resource exploitation often takes place in ecologically sensitive areas, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Timber harvesting in southwestern forests has led to clashes between conservationists and logging companies.
Export Potential Of CAR’s Resources
The Central African Republic (CAR) has great export potential due to its abundant natural resources, including diamonds, gold, timber, and potentially oil. These resources are integral to the country’s economy.
Major Exports
Diamonds are CAR’s most valuable export, accounting for nearly half of export earnings. Although exports have faced setbacks from embargoes and instability, they are still an important revenue source.
Before the 2013 embargo, diamonds made up 35% of exports. Gold is another key export, with substantial deposits across the country.
Timber logs and sawn timber are also major exports. From 2017 to 2021, CAR exported over 1.4 million cubic meters of timber, contributing to around 30% of export earnings. China is a primary market for these goods.
Trading Partners
CAR’s main trading partners include Belgium, France, and China. Belgium is for diamond exports, while France imports much of CAR’s coffee and tobacco. Despite these partnerships, an estimated 30-50% of diamond exports occur through clandestine channels.
Additionally, trade barriers complicate the country’s ability to fully capitalize on its resources. CAR’s potential oil reserves, found in the northern and southern regions, could diversify exports and boost the economy.
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Economic Impact Of CAR’s Resources
The Central African Republic (CAR) depends on its natural resources, including diamonds, gold, timber, and agriculture, to drive economic growth. These sectors are essential for GDP, government revenue, and employment.
Contribution To GDP And Employment
Natural resources play a big part in CAR’s economy. Agriculture accounted for 36.3% of the GDP in 2023, while mining and forestry contributed 14.8%, an increase from 13.7% in 2021.
The resource sector is also a major employer, with agriculture providing jobs for approximately 70% of the population and artisanal mining offering work to thousands.
Revenue Generation
Resource exports have become a key source of revenue for the government. In 2024, international aid made up only 6% of the GDP. Additionally, these exports help stabilize CAR’s foreign exchange reserves.