ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
La French-African Foundation œuvre à créer des générations de leaders engagés à faire vivre un lien constructif entre les nations africaines et la France. Sa mission est d'honorer les succès remarquables tant africains que français, plaçant l'excellence au cœur des partenariats diversifiés entre la France et l'Afrique.
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The French-African Foundation works to create generations of leaders committed to a constructive bond between African nations and France. Its mission is to honor remarkable successes, both African and French, placing excellence at the heart of the diverse partnerships between France and Africa. As the leading network bringing together young African and French professionals, the Foundation aspires to promote a partnership based on a new paradigm: a cooperation of excellence that shares the best of both worlds. This innovative approach aims to celebrate successes while promoting trade and investment, and building a forward-looking narrative focused on entrepreneurship, sustainable and inclusive growth, and mutually beneficial opportunities.
OUR ACTIONS
Each initiative of the French-African Foundation is guided by its fundamental mission: to promote ties between France and Africa by highlighting leadership, innovation and partnership.
Young Leaders Program
The Young Leaders program of the French-African Foundation is committed to identifying, both in France and in Africa, young leaders driven by a strong commitment, sharing and the desire to foster positive interactions between the various actors.
By selecting individuals for their inspiring careers and innovative initiatives, this program brings them together during an intensive training session organized alternately in France and in an African country.
Since 2017, each year, during these two weeks, these young leaders explore the challenges to come and engage in dialogue with influential figures from the public and private sectors.
With a community of over 180 alumni, the Foundation places great importance on balanced gender representation within its classes and on diversity of sectors and geographies. The program benefits from the high patronage of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and that of the head of state of the African country hosting the class. Thus, it has received the support of Nana Akuffo Ado, President of Ghana, Macky Sall, former President of Senegal, and more recently Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda.
Breakfasts and meetings
As part of its efforts to energize and mobilize its network, the French-African Foundation regularly organizes breakfasts and meetings. These events bring together leading figures from the economic, political, cultural and social spheres, both African, French and international, who inspire through their commitment and expertise. The objective is twofold: to mobilize the network around current topics and to facilitate in-depth dialogues on fundamental issues, thus helping to shed light on debates and promote the progress of ideas.
Among the speakers who enriched these moments of exchange, the Foundation counts figures such as Louise Mushikiwabo (Secretary General of La Francophonie), Hassanein Hiridjee (CEO of the Axian group), Anne-Claire Legendre (French diplomat, former spokesperson for the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs), Philippe Labonne (President and CEO of Africa Global Logistics and President of the MEDEF Africa Committee), and many others. These meetings, crucial for stimulating reflection, encourage connections and promote the implementation of actions within the network.
Advocacy
The advocacy activities of the French-African Foundation are essential for transforming the perception of relations between France and Africa, by promoting enriching partnerships and valuing talents. Drawing on its network of Young Leaders, the Foundation conducts media interventions and significant events to influence public debate. As part of these actions, a considerable effort is also made to reshape the narrative on the African continent, highlighting its successes and potential.
These initiatives play a central role in this process, with the Young Leaders acting on a daily basis as ambassadors of these values and initiatives. Their active engagement contributes to promoting a positive and dynamic representation of collaborations between France and Africa.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aissa NDIAYE
General Secretary
Mamadou GOUNDIAM
Aminata KANE
thierry LACROIX
Treasurer
Sonia MAVOUNA
Olga AKIN-DINA
ADVISORY BOARD
Thierry Déau
Founder and CEO
Meridiam
Lionel Zinsou
Managing Partner
SouthBridge
Acha Leke
Senior Partner
McKinsey