By Maureen Okon
France is strengthening its partnership with Africa to boost the continent’s economy and advance business growth, Mr Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said.
Barrot said this at the Africa Forward Inspire and Connect Business Summit holding from May 11 to May 12 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is co-organised by the governments of France and Kenya with the theme: “Africa Forward: Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation and Growth.”
According to Barrot, more than 2,000 African and European business leaders, investors and public decision-makers are attending the summit.
He said that under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron over the past 10 years, France had transformed its relationship with African countries into a mutually beneficial partnership built on shared responsibility.
“We have created new bonds and expanded cooperation in sectors such as Green Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), health, culture and industry.
“France has also strengthened partnerships with Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya.
“We believe in Africa not only as the continent of the future, but as a continent already shaping global culture and driving the global economy,” he said.
Barrot said Africa possessed the innovation and potential needed to thrive in the 21st century, adding that many of the world’s best ideas and start-ups would emerge from the continent.
Also speaking, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Executive Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, said Africa’s challenge was not lack of potential but inadequate coordinated execution and long-term capital support.
Rabiu said the continent must move from consuming growth to creating growth, stressing the need for affordable long-term financing.
He said inconsistent policies discouraged investment and weakened investors’ confidence.
“When the private sector is empowered, it delivers, and when partnerships are built on execution, transformation happens,” he said.
Rabiu said he had built industries and infrastructure in difficult environments while creating jobs and supporting millions of consumers across Africa.
“One thing is clear: Africa does not lack potential; it lacks coordinated execution and long-term capital support,” he said.
In his remarks, Phillip Gautier, Chief Executive Officer of MEDEF International, said the partnership between Africa, France and Europe was anchored on entrepreneurship, innovation and shared growth.
He said French companies currently provide more than 530,000 direct jobs across Africa, representing a 30 per cent increase over the last decade through local investments and long-term partnerships.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Halima Sheji
