The French African Foundation (FAF) kicks off the third edition of its Young Leaders program, from October 2 to 5 in Paris, with young visionaries from a wide range of sectors coming together for a resilient, prosperous and action-oriented Africa.

The French African Foundation announces the launch of the third edition of its iconic Young Leaders program. The event will be held in Paris from October 2 to 5, 2023, followed by a final session in Rwanda. Organized around the theme "Unleash the energies”, the event will be held under the dual patronage of Emmanuel Macron and Paul Kagame, and an extended collaboration with partners such as the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France Média Monde, Danone, Concerto and Meridiam.

This year's event will bring together 30 young leaders selected from over 3,000 applicants. They are geographically and professionally diverse, coming from countries such as Nigeria, Guinea, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, France, Rwanda, Cameroon, Benin, Senegal, Togo, DRC, Morocco and Kenya. Aware of the challenges shared by France and Africa, they embody positive partnerships in all fields, and are convinced that the future of France and Africa will be built together.

As the Director of the French African Foundation, Nachouat Meghouar, explains: "This program reflects the dynamism of Franco-African partnerships and their cross-disciplinary nature, as well as the new generation carrying them forward.”

The Paris session will address a variety of topics, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on current and future issues between France and Africa, such as media, culture, geopolitics, sport, finance, technology, business, entrepreneurship, climate, agri-food and diplomacy.

During the various events of the Paris session, a number of high-level meetings will be held, including  sessions with Romuald Wadagni, Benin's Minister of Economy and Finance, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Secretary of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, Anne-Claire Legendre, Spokesperson, Director of Communication & Press at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs,, Eric Nabil Jumbert, Chief Growth Officer at Danone, Louise Rials, General Counsel Africa, Partnerships & Advocacy at Danone, François Hurstel, CEO of Concerto, Hubert Védrine, former Minister, Mathieu Peller, Deputy Managing Director of Méridiam, Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, François Gemenne, director of The Hugo Observatory research center and co-author of the 6th IPCC report, Patrick Dupoux, member of the COMEX of the Boston Consulting Group, A'Salfo, member of the Magic System group, Marie-Christine Saragosse, president and CEO of France Médias Monde, Sabrinna Delannoy and Bernard Mendy, former international players, Guillaume Pitron, journalist, author and documentary maker, Bruno Owikoti, head of PSG activation and sponsorship, and Joël Andrianomearisoa, contemporary artist.

During the PSG - Newcastle match on October 4, the Parc des Princes will open its doors to program winners for a behind-the-scenes tour of the sports complex's key areas. Participation in the BIG event, Europe's largest business gathering organized by BPI France, is also planned for October 5 at the Accord Arena.

About the French-African Foundation

Since its creation in 2017, the French-African Foundation has been dedicated to promoting young talent from the economic, political, social and cultural scenes in Africa and France. Through its flagship "Young Leaders" program, the Foundation selects and brings together talented young people who embody openness to the world, a sense of sharing, and a taste for excellence. Each year, the Foundation brings together key stakeholders for two weeks (one week in France, one week in an African country) of meetings, training and critical moments of professional and personal exchange. The program is under the dual patronage of Rwandan and French presidents Paul Kagame and Emmanuel Macron. The foundation's public and private partners include the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Meridiam, Concerto, France Média Monde and others.