On October 20, 2023, I was invited to the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in Paris by the think tank Skema Publika to co-host its third conference «Au coeur des influences». On this occasion, I developed the three major ideas underlying my belief in a fair, balanced and competitive Francophonie.

Firstly, the African continent is the future of the Francophonie. It’s a mathematical fact: in 2050, Africa will account for 85% of the 700 million French speakers in the world at that time. This is a compelling reality that requires action.

Secondly, from an African standpoint, it is essential for the economic Francophonie to achieve economic integration in terms of policy and systems, preferred practices and mobility. Otherwise, disinterest and the risk of losing members (to more integrated blocs) will increase.

Thirdly, in order to outline the major aspects of such a partnership and minimise interference with its development, the stakeholders (politicians, entrepreneurs and civil society players) will have to define and protect their lowest common denominator, on the initiative of a visionary and strategic State.

My contribution, on boosting the competitiveness of the economic Francophonie, was given at the invitation of Claude Revel, Director of Skema Publika and Interministerial Delegate for Competitive Intelligence (2013-2015).

Guy Gweth