Innovate, Connect, Inspire
Committed to shaping a new generation of positively engaged African and French leaders.
Explore
Community
+40
African countries
as well as in the United States, France, and the Middle East.
Event
1500
Participants
at the first edition of AFRICA Day
leadership
1er
The leading panafrican network
of young professionals
Our DNA
« Franco-Malian, with experience in media and education in Africa,
I am convinced that youth must lead a bold and renewed partnership
between France and Africa. »
Mamadou Goundiam
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jeune Afrique Media Group
A network of excellence bringing together
over 50 African nationalities
across more than 40 countries.
Since its creation in 2019, the French-African Foundation has been working to build new generations of engaged African and French leaders who make a positive impact through their work.
The Foundation strives to promote African and French success stories and to place excellence at the heart of french-african partnerships. It aims to contribute to changing the narrative and perceptions of Africa in France and of France in Africa by promoting dialogue and positive changemakers.
Through its Young Leaders program, it has built the first pan-African network of African and French young professionals. Its activities are supported by both private and public stakeholders: the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Danone, Concerto, TV5Monde, Africa Global Logistics, Bpifrance, Orange, France Médias Monde, Boston Consulting Group, and Total Energies, Sharp Vision.
Discover the French-African Foundation
"Promoting success and cultivating excellence by supporting the new generation of African and French leaders."
Nachouat Meghouar
CEO, French-African Foundation
Discover the Program
Two intense weeks of inspiration, training, and networking !
The Young Leaders program, the flagship initiative of the French-African Foundation, offers an exceptional platform for networking, training, and mentoring for young African and French talents.
Engagement
+5000
applications
in one month in 2023
Alumni
182
Alumni
with an average age of 34
Representation
+40
African countries
as well as in the United States, France, and the Middle East.
our DNA
Welcome to
Africa Day – the flagship youth event
celebrating African success stories.
Africa Day – the flagship youth event
celebrating African success stories.
Yanis ARNOPOULOS
Cameroon
"Changing the Africa–France relationship will not happen without a new generation of committed and bold leaders. The Young Leaders program strengthened my mission: to rethink models, create opportunities, and build a more just, balanced, and ambitious shared future."
Moussa DABO
Guinea
"A unique opportunity to truly connect with leaders making a difference and creating opportunities between Africa and France."
Amine DABCHY
Marocco
"Being a Young Leader of the French-African Foundation means joining a community of exceptional talents, engaging with top-level decision-makers, and forming authentic relationships that transcend borders. This network is an invaluable source of learning and inspiration."
Ndeye Fatou TOURE
Senegal – France
"Last year, I had the immense privilege of being recognized as a Young Leader by the French-African Foundation.
This experience was deeply transformative, allowing me to meet exceptional young leaders whose diversity and ingenuity greatly enriched my perspective.
Engaging with such brilliant minds—sharing bold ideas and innovative visions—was a true catalyst for creativity. These interactions broadened my horizons and gave me invaluable energy, pushing me to pursue new initiatives and look to the future with renewed determination.
Fruitful exchanges with prominent figures were moments of rare intensity. Their inspiring journeys became a powerful lever for my own aspirations, encouraging me to embrace bolder ambitions.
This experience with the French-African Foundation was a true revelation—both personally and professionally—driving me to nurture my dreams with unwavering resolve."
Adan ABBEY
Somaliland
"I am extremely honored to have been selected as a Young Leader by the French-African Foundation. This is an exciting time for Africa. I believe the key to unlocking its true potential lies in crafting a clear vision and pairing it with effective leadership to bring it to life.
I look forward to meeting other leaders from Africa and France to work together toward building a better, stronger, and safer future for the continent, while strengthening the historic and vital ties between Africa and France."
Wande ABE
Nigeria
"I’m very happy to be part of a professional network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about Africa’s development and also have ties to France, as I now make Paris my new home. Having worked across the African continent, I see the value of understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints, as they vary from North to South, East to West.
I hope to explore, with my fellow Young Leaders, ways to give back to African youth, both on the continent and in the diaspora."
Delphine ADENOT-OWUSU
France
"Being part of the French-African Young Leaders program and of a generation eager to showcase Africa’s richness is a great honor for me. In my view, France–Africa relations must evolve towards business partnerships rather than development aid.
Taking part in this program is a wonderful opportunity to meet other young people focused on strengthening ties between France and Africa. I’m also especially proud to be part of an edition supported by the presidents of France and Ghana—my country of birth and my adopted country."
Magalie ANDERSON
Ivory Coast
"I’m truly honored to have been selected among such talented individuals to be part of the 2019 Young Leaders cohort.
It brings me immense joy, especially considering the importance of this opportunity. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the group and build relationships that will have a lasting impact on the development of our beloved continent.
I hope to contribute my part and am confident that our exchanges will lead to the implementation of projects that highlight all of Africa’s available resources."
Tatianna Lukama BINDA
Democratic Republic of Congo
"This program is an excellent opportunity to be part of a group of young leaders making an impact in their spheres of influence.
Coming from the DRC, whose economy is on the cusp of development, I want to be among those making a difference. The knowledge and skills gained from this program will help me develop my community by sharing them with other youth, particularly in my role as coordinator of a volunteer group whose mission is to have a meaningful community impact."
Sarah BOUHASSOUN
Algeria - France
"I’m very happy and honored to have the opportunity to be part of a group of passionate and proactive young leaders in their respective fields. This is a unique chance to develop new projects while bringing together the rich and diverse ecosystems of France and Africa.
As a young woman living and working on the African continent, I want to play an active role in this new dynamic, bringing change and opportunities for everyone! I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming weeks!"
Nelson CAMARA
Mali - France
"I’m very proud and honored to be part of the 2019 cohort. This nomination also rewards all those who have contributed, directly or indirectly, to my professional journey: current staff, former colleagues, entrepreneurs, leaders, investors, and above all, my family!
Nelson Mandela dreamed of a united Africa where leaders combine their efforts to solve the continent’s problems. Following the initiatives led by the 2017 cohort, I firmly believe our generation is capable of taking on part of that challenge."
Max CUVELLIER
France
"I’m both thrilled and moved to have been selected as a 2019 Young Leader and to join such an outstanding group of individuals.
Building bridges between Africa, France, and the rest of the world is more crucial than ever. We must work hand in hand to design solutions—be it in innovation, politics, economics, or culture—that respond to the major challenges we all face and help reduce inequality at every level.
I look forward to meeting all the Young Leaders!"
Sandrine DE GUIO
France
"Very happy to be part of the new cohort of French-African Young Leaders. I’m eager to meet all the participants in this inspiring program. Determined to build new bridges with enthusiasm!"
Sidi Mohamed DHAKER
Mauritania
"I’m honored to have been selected for this prestigious program. As a committed Pan-Africanist and Afro-optimist, I firmly believe, like former Ghanaian President Kufuor, that 'Africa needs leadership.'
This program is an opportunity to shape a vision for Africa by giving the next generation of leaders a seat at the decision-making table and challenging the status quo.
Through discussions with peers and established leaders, I will have the chance to build networks with other young leaders in this growing community!"
Mélissa ETOKE EYAYE
Cameroon – France
"I’m honored to have been selected among the candidates for this program. I see this experience as an opportunity to meet people who, like me, are driven by the desire to have an impact—no matter how small—on the continent and to contribute to value creation.
This initiative is also a way to better understand Africa’s realities in all their complexity and diversity, and to reflect on how to reinvent the terms of cooperation between France and African states."
Jimmy KALOMBO
South Africa
"I’m delighted to be among the 30 Young Leaders of the French-African Foundation and grateful for the opportunities this program offers—especially networking, mentoring, and collaborating with talented, like-minded individuals, future leaders of Africa and France.
My goal is to learn from every individual I meet and actively develop methodologies that I can bring home and apply to projects that will have real impact in Africa."
Yann KASAY
Madagascar - France
"I’m honored to be part of the 2019 Young Leaders cohort. I would like to thank the French-African Foundation for this unique opportunity.
During my time in the program, I want to send a message: the diaspora, of which I’m a part, must engage alongside the rest of the African continent and put the skills we’ve gained through various experiences to work for sustainable and inclusive development.
This commitment must translate into concrete, immediate-impact actions on the ground."
Gwamaka KIFUKWE
Tanzania
"I’m touched and honored to have been selected to join the 2019 Young Leaders.
When I decided to come to France, one of my goals was to improve my French and deepen my understanding of Francophonie because there is a gap in Africa between French-speaking and English-speaking countries. This program is a great opportunity to explore those issues.
After the program, I will make use of my enhanced skills, new network, and gained experiences to support sustainable development initiatives."
Khady KONE-DICOH
Ivory Coast - France
"I’m happy and honored to be selected for the 2019 Young Leaders cohort of the French-African Foundation. I’m excited to join this inspiring community—rich in backgrounds, geographic diversity, and unique individual journeys.
This dynamic mix of energy and talent will contribute to launching and supporting long-lasting transformative initiatives for the African continent and its evolving relationship with France."
Sanae LAHLOU
Marocco
"I’m very proud to be part of the prestigious 'French-African Young Leaders 2019' program, which represents a true bridge of ideas and action between North and South cultures for the development of the continent.
I’m enthusiastic about the participatory spirit emphasized in the program. I am convinced that only by blending ideas and combining the energies of Africa’s youth will we find innovative paths for the continent’s structural progress.
Today, Africa truly needs these energies of positive leadership."
Benjamin LEBRAVE
France
"It’s an honor and a great pleasure to learn that I’ll be participating in the 2019 Young Leaders program.
I applied to give a voice to Africa’s creative industries—a powerful and often underestimated growth driver, and above all, a tool of soft power with still poorly understood potential.
I’m excited to join this group of young professionals, to connect and exchange ideas, bring together our energy and talents, and expand the realm of possibilities—especially in music and African artistic creation."
Gérardine MAHORO
Rwanda - France
"I would like to thank the French-African Foundation for the honor of being selected for the 2019 Young Leaders program.
It is important to bring together young leaders from various sectors and backgrounds, working toward common goals.
With the rise of extremism and exclusion in many countries, we must promote integration rather than withdrawal.
I see my mission in the Young Leaders program as one of fostering cooperation between young leaders from Africa and Europe."
Vladimir MENDES BORGES
Cape Verde - France
"When I discovered this program, I was immediately drawn to it. Beyond my work in France and Cape Verde, I admire this clear-eyed and positive approach to Africa.
I love the idea of sharing a common future, and I want to contribute to it. I’m eager to share my perspective—as a French elected official and a young member of the Lusophone African diaspora—with other brilliant and diverse participants.
At a time when international politics tends to build walls and raise borders, I want to build bridges between Africa and Europe."
Landry MUGISHA
Burundi
“I am very happy to be selected as a 2019 Young Leader. This is indeed great news for me and my organization. I look forward to meeting other young leaders to network and plan great things together. I also hope to meet mentors who can guide me. I also wish to establish connections with more leaders on the continent so that we can interact more. I plan to expand my business beyond my country's borders, and this is a dream opportunity to plant seeds that will allow me to achieve all of this.”
Brian MUTEBI
Uganda
“I am very excited and delighted to be selected for the 2019 French-African Young Leaders cohort. I look forward to contributing to the creation of a transformative cooperation platform between Africa and France, based on commercial and strategic investments, and development cooperation in education, health, poverty eradication, women's rights, and sustainable development. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact on our generation.”
Charlène NTSIBA
Republique of the Congo - France
Republic of the Congo - France
“Being part of the 2019 Young Leaders program is a great honor! I am particularly excited to meet and work with people who, like me, are eager to tackle the challenges of our time. I am fully aligned with the program's goal of rethinking the dialogue between Africa and the world. This is a crucial issue for the youth and the future of the African continent. Participating in this initiative is a great responsibility, and I intend to contribute with optimism, empathy, and determination.”
Zippora OKOTH
Kenya
“It is a great honor for me to be in the top 30 of the 2019 African and French Young Leaders list. This is an opportunity for me to learn and connect with mentors. It will have a significant impact on the lives of women and youth I work with and advise as we work to bring African arts to the global stage. I look forward to creating friendships and networks that will impact not only my life but also the lives of future generations. One day at a time, one seed at a time, one person at a time. We will make the world better.”
Linda OLAGUNJU
South Africa
“I am very happy to participate in this program because I firmly believe that networks and collaborations among us are essential to meet the development needs of the continent.”
Mathieu Narendra RABARINIRINA
Madagascar
“I was very happy to learn that I have acquired a new opportunity to make the most of my youth to develop my work and commitment in other hemispheres. The French-African Young Leaders program has met my desire to lead actions on a larger scale, and I wanted to seize an opportunity to give a voice to the most vulnerable youth in Madagascar to talk about rights that most of them are not even aware of.”
Maxine REINDORF-PARTEY
Ghana
“I am very happy and honored to have been selected as a laureate of the 2019 French-African Young Leaders Program. I am equally proud to represent my country, Ghana, which is also the joint host of the program. As a Ghanaian, I believe in the importance of youth engagement, especially in leadership roles, as the African youth is essential to the development process. The Young Leaders Program will be a springboard.”
Japhet SEKENYA
Tanzania
“I am truly honored to have been selected as a 2019 laureate of the French-African Young Leaders program. This has provided me with a unique opportunity to seek and explore a network and strategic resources to energize my participation in the future transformation of Africa and France as a true next-generation entrepreneur.”
Kamil SENHAJI
Marocco - France
“I am very proud to have been part of the list of 30 Young Leaders of the French-African Foundation. When I see the variety of profiles and backgrounds, I am even more pleased that this complementary approach will certainly help us collectively reflect on how to build more bridges. I hope to be one of the ambassadors of the education sector within this team. It is an honor for me to participate in this exciting journey. Let's get to work!”
Fatoumata SY
Senegal
“I am honored to have been selected for the French-African Young Leaders Program and to represent my country, Senegal, in this prestigious program. This program is the logical continuation of the mission I have set for myself: to become an agent of change in Africa. It is also an exceptional opportunity to meet other young leaders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, united by their talents and their will to make things evolve in France and Africa.”
Lynda TEZKRATT
Algeria - France
“Being selected as a France-Africa young leader is my first participation in an international program. I did not expect to be part of it, and I am humbled when I see the other brilliant profiles. I hope this program will help me shape the best career path and meet other believers in Africa who contribute to the international influence of African talent.”
Agenda
The Foundation's events are a testament to its commitment to building bridges between Africa and France, celebrating excellence, and fostering strategic collaborations for lasting impact.
High-Level Dinner
France
11 February 2025
France
11 February 2025
The Foundation's events are a testament to its commitment to building bridges between Africa and France, celebrating excellence, and fostering strategic collaborations for lasting impact.
Meeting with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
France
28 November 2024
France
28 November 2024
A privileged exchange with the Chairman of Access Bank and the France Nigeria Business Council, alongside our alumni network, on his inspiring journey and the challenges of economic cooperation and leadership. An opportunity to inspire and strengthen connections between young African leaders and influential actors on the continent.
State Dinner in Honor of President Bola Tinubu
France
28 November 2024
France
28 November 2024
A moment of conviviality and exchange, bringing together actors and talents engaged in cooperation between France and Nigeria. An opportunity to highlight the economic and cultural dynamics that unite the two countries and explore new perspectives for engagement and investment.
Meeting with Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships
France
30 November 2024
France
30 November 2024
A dedicated gathering with our Nigerian alumni from the media, communication, energy, and arts sectors to discuss the key role of Francophonie and new opportunities for cooperation between Africa and France.
Bpifrance Inspire & Connect in Nairobi
France
15 November 2024
France
15 November 2024
A key regional event bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and our alumni network in East Africa and Kenya. An ideal setting to foster exchanges, growth opportunities, and strengthen connections among the continent’s talents. Thank you to Bpifrance for this powerful moment!
AFRICA CEO FORUM
France
16 May 2024
France
16 May 2024
We took part in the largest private sector event in Africa, organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group, where heads of state and investors gathered to discuss the continent’s economic future. Our Young CEO alumni had the opportunity to engage with the continent’s top leaders, thereby strengthening their influence and impact within the African economic ecosystem.