The relationship between France and African countries, including Senegal, is entering a new phase. The rapidly changing world, with its accelerated technological and digital transitions, is redefining the global landscape. As such, the partnerships between France and African nations must adapt to these changes, focusing on creating opportunities, investments, jobs, and concrete results. This new chapter in the Franco-African dialogue aims to construct a common capacity to act, produce, innovate, and invest.
The traditional forms of cooperation are no longer sufficient, and a new approach is needed. This approach should prioritize a logic of capacities over cooperation, focusing on the economy, industry, technology, energy, education, research, entrepreneurship, and investment in human capital. The goal is to enable each partner to have the means to undertake, produce, and invest, with their capacities complementing each other when joint action is more effective. This modern relationship will be measured by its tangible outcomes, such as created enterprises, infrastructures, research centers, industrial projects, technologies, and jobs.
To achieve this, the instruments of cooperation must evolve. Cooperation should not only finance but also invest, not only transfer technology but also promote its appropriation, development, and local production. It should not only train but also create conditions for skills to innovate, undertake, and circulate. In various sectors, including health, energy, agriculture, and digital technology, the challenge is to bring together companies, universities, research centers, and investors to create more local value and build internationally competitive projects.
The territorial aspect of partnership is also crucial. The main challenges faced by populations take on a territorial form, and local authorities and cities are well-positioned to address these needs and solutions. Decentralized cooperation can be scaled up and transformed to build territorial partnerships for development, innovation, and investment. French and African cities and regions can become laboratories for common solutions, such as modernizing administrations, digitalizing public services, and promoting entrepreneurship.
The role of diasporas and individuals who connect the two shores is vital. African diasporas in France and French nationals with ties to the continent can facilitate investments, create projects, and connect innovation ecosystems. Their skills, networks, and understanding of economic environments can help bridge the gap between France and Africa. The mobility of skills, recognition of qualifications, and common incubators can also support economic development.
The next generation of Franco-African relations will not be built exclusively between governments or large groups. It will depend on the ability to connect researchers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and investors to create genuine common value chains. The African continent is diversifying its partnerships, and France must demonstrate the value it offers, including project quality, access to financing, and technological transfers.
France has significant advantages, including geographical proximity, deep human connections, and top-ranked companies, universities, and research centers. However, these advantages are not guaranteed and must be leveraged to build a strong and sustainable partnership with Senegal and other African countries. The future of Franco-African relations will be shaped by the ability to create concrete opportunities and results.
Key points
- Strengthening partnerships in economy, industry, technology, and education
- Enhancing decentralized cooperation and territorial partnerships
- Fostering innovation and investment in human capital
