This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame interacted with participants in the third edition of the Young Leaders Program brought together by the French-Africa Foundation.
Representatives from the group presented policy presentations focused on artificial intelligence, food systems and education. On this occasion, Young Leaders join their voices to call for a renewed partnership between France and African nations.
From February 26 to March 1, the latest cohort of the flagship “Young Leaders” program of the French-African Foundation convenes in the Rwandan capital.
Under the joint patronage of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron this year, the program, crucial since 2019, brings together the emerging generation of French and African decision-makers.
Thirty young talents from Africa and France, chosen from over 5000 applicants, aspire to contribute to the rejuvenation of the Franco-African partnership in Kigali.
During their stay, they will explore Rwanda’s journey since 1994. Thanks to swift economic transformation, Rwanda has evolved into a regional hub for innovation and health, along with being a must-visit destination for ecotourism and international events.
They will interact with key figures from the Rwandan private and public sectors, such as Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Mokolo, CEO of Rwandair.
They will also engage with stakeholders in the new Franco-Rwandan partnership, like the French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré, and David Kamanda, CEO of IRCAD AFRICA.
The relationship between the two countries benefits from the presence and dynamism of French companies such as Vivendi, Total Energies, whose regional representatives will exchange ideas with the laureates.
The week in Kigali marks the second highlight of the program. In October, the cohort met with public and private decision-makers in Paris, including the Secretary of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, and the CEO of Orange, Christel Heydemann. (End)