Published on 10/27/2023 at 6:20 p.m. by Partner
The 3rd edition of the Young Leaders program, orchestrated by the French African Foundation (FAF), ended successfully after four days of intensive exchanges and deep immersion in Franco-African issues.
Paris, October 27, 2023 – For this edition, placed under the dual presidential patronage of Emmanuel Macron and Paul Kagame, a cohort of 30 Young Leaders, from various geographic regions and professions, dedicated themselves to exploring the demanding theme “Liberating Energy” .
From the start of this immersive experience, the Young Leaders had the exceptional privilege of initiating discussions with influential personalities. Mr. Hubert Védrine, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the discussions by offering a presentation on the current global situation and the new dynamics that are emerging, thus laying the foundations for an exploration of the paths of evolution of relations between France and Africa.
Dialogues with influential figures such as Christel Heyderman, Marie-Christine Zaragosse, Mathieu Peller, Patrick Dupoux and Magic System, highlighted a variety of essential subjects, such as investments in public infrastructure in Africa, female leadership , information and communication on the continent, as well as the importance of a more balanced representation of African subjects in the French media. In addition, these discussions also addressed climate issues, in preparation for COP28, and thus kicked off the drafting of a discussion document focused on practical solutions. These discussions highlighted the imperative need for innovation to forge a successful interconnected future.
“The four days of this program made it possible to address a considerable range of challenges, all approached with the same conviction: cooperation is the solution to meeting the considerable challenges that lie ahead for the coming decades. underlined with conviction Ms. Nachouat Meghouar, General Director of the French African Foundation.
Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Secretary of State for Development, La Francophonie and International Partnerships, provided the opportunity to examine the complexity of relations between France and each African country. This experience highlighted the importance of collective cooperation.
Finally, the visit to the Parc des Princes on the occasion of the PSG – Newcastle match and the fruitful exchanges highlighted the links between sport, culture and Franco-African issues. The program concluded with a breakfast on investment in Africa at the BPI BIG event, in the presence of personalities such as Mr. Olivier Becht and Mr. Olivier Vincent.
These Young Leaders, from various backgrounds and brought together with the aim of contributing positively to crucial issues for the continent, were keen to share their impressions. Matthias
The final phase of this journey will continue in Rwanda next February under the patronage of President Paul Kagame, marking the continued commitment of the French African Foundation in promoting cooperation at all levels.
A propos de le French-African Foundation
Since its creation in 2017, the French-African Foundation has aimed to promote young talents from the economic, political, social and cultural scenes of Africa and France. Through its flagship “Young Leaders” program, the Foundation selects and brings together these talents who embody openness to the world, a sense of sharing, and a taste for excellence. Each year, the Foundation brings together the promotions over the course of two weeks (one week in France, one week in an African country) of meetings, training, and privileged moments of professional and personal exchanges. The program is under the dual patronage of Rwandan and French presidents, Paul Kagame and Emmanuel Macron. As for the foundation, it benefits from public and private partners: Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Meridiam, Concerto, France Média Monde, etc.
