Background
Created in 2019, the French-African Foundation works to create generations of committed leaders in France and in Africa. Each year the Foundation launches a call for applications in all countries of the continent and in France to select and bring together the most promising Franco-African talents who embody openness to the world, a sense of sharing, and a taste for excellence. In 2021, the Foundation doubled its membership to 100 Young Leaders to address the suspension of the 2020 program due to covid-19 crisis and the laureates met in Paris and Dakar under the high patronage of President Macky Sall.
Placed under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame, the Foundation will bring together the new class for a week in France in June 2023 and then a week in Rwanda in the fall of the same year for meetings, training, and privileged moments of professional and personal exchanges in contact with leading Franco-African and international personalities from the political, economic, cultural, sports and associative spheres.
A high-level jury will select the winners and the results will be announced in May 2023. The Foundation benefits from the support of numerous institutions such as the French Development Agency, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and private groups such as Meridiam and the public affairs firm IConcerto. Its Board of Trustees includes leading Franco-African personalities such as Koyo Kouoh, Managing Director of Zeitz Mocaa in Cape Town, Patrick Dupoux, Managing Partner Africa The Boston Consulting Group, Hassanein Hiridjee CEO of Axian Group, Rémy Rioux, CEO AFD, Fabrice Le Saché, Vice President and Spokesperson of MEDEF, Thierry Déau, CEO Meridiam.
Call for Applications
The French-African Foundation is calling on young people from Africa and France to apply for the new edition of its flagship program «Young Leaders».
This new promotion will be placed under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame.
Who can apply?
The French-African Foundation is looking for 30 young people from Africa and France who will be part of the new cohort of its program in order to contribute to the Franco-African dialogue in all areas!
Theme of the Program
This year, the theme of the Young Leaders program is «unleash energies»: a positive and forward-looking theme to gather all committed and talented Franco-African youth.
Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- Be between 28 and 40 years old in 2023, demonstrate leadership skills or have demonstrated exceptional professional qualities in their respective fields
- Fluent English is mandatory
- French language skills are not required but appreciated.
Thematic Areas
All sectors of activity are concerned:
- Artists
- Athletes
- Entrepreneurs
- Executives
- Diplomats and politicians
- Activists
- Journalists
- Actors
Timeline for Applications – February 16, 2023 to 17 March 2023
