From February 26 to March 1, the latest cohort of the flagship "Young Leaders" program of the French-African Foundation will convene in the Rwandan capital. Under the joint patronage of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron this year, the program, crucial since 2019, brings together the emerging generation of French and African decision-makers.

Thirty young talents from Africa and France, chosen from over 5000 applicants, aspire to contribute to the rejuvenation of the Franco-African partnership in Kigali from February 26 to March 1.

What drives them? To spotlight the positive energies already present between France and Africa, as they strive to shape the future of their nations through their daily professions and businesses.

Their mission? To position excellence at the core of Franco-African collaborations.

Celebrating Rwandan and French successes 

During their stay, they will explore Rwanda's journey since 1994. Thanks to swift economic transformation, Rwanda has evolved into a regional hub for innovation and health, along with being a must-visit destination for ecotourism and international events. They will interact with key figures from the Rwandan private and public sectors, such as Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Mokolo, CEO of Rwandair. They will also engage with stakeholders in the new Franco-Rwandan partnership, like the French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré, and David Kamanda, CEO of IRCAD AFRICA.

The relationship between the two countries benefits from the presence and dynamism of French companies such as Vivendi, Total Energies, whose regional representatives will exchange ideas with the laureates.

Beyond the 30 profiles, the promotion is under the dual high patronage of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron—a potent symbol perfectly aligned with what they represent: a new chapter in Franco-African history.

Manifesto to make excellence the heart of Franco-African partnerships

President Paul Kagame will meet with the Young Leaders for an exclusive exchange. On this occasion, the cohort will present their manifesto: an advocacy where the Young Leaders join their voices to call for a renewed partnership between France and African nations. A partnership based on a new paradigm: a cooperation of excellence, bringing the best of France to Africa and the best of Africa to France, celebrating successes, promoting trade and investments, and building a narrative focused on the future of entrepreneurship, growth, and mutually beneficial opportunities.

The week in Kigali marks the second highlight of the program. In October, the cohort met with public and private decision-makers in Paris, including the Secretary of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, and the CEO of Orange, Christel Heydemann.

About the French-African Foundation

Established in 2019, the French-African Foundation works towards creating generations of engaged leaders in France and Africa. Each year, the Foundation issues a call for applications across all countries on the continent and in France to select and bring together Franco-African talents. It now gathers the largest network of young French and African professionals. The French-African Foundation receives support from public and private actors: the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Concerto, Danone, Meridiam, Boston Consulting Group, Rothschild & Co, Rwanda Development Board, RwandAir, France Medias Monde.