AfriConex forum in Olivet

AfriConex, a program linking West Africa with the Centre-Val de Loire region in France, held a forum on October 16 in Olivet. The event aimed to bring together decision-makers, investors, and members of the African diaspora to promote collaboration.

Focus on economic diplomacy

Dieudonné Gbessemehlan, president of AfriConex, highlighted the program's goal of building trust and cooperation through economic diplomacy. The initiative was led by the head of department at the French Development Agency (AFD) and supported by Anne Frédéric Amoa of Talian' Consulting and Isabelle Rastoul.

Opportunities in Africa and France

The program points out the untapped potential of the African diaspora in the Orléans area. Africa's growing young population and evolving economy offer opportunities in infrastructure, industry, training, and innovation. French territories, especially the Centre-Val de Loire region, provide a strong industrial, agricultural, academic, and institutional base that complements Africa's needs.

Business Tour highlights

AfriConex organized a Business Tour in October with support from the State of Côte d'Ivoire, the Orléans agglomeration, and the CCI of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin. The tour included visits to the National Assembly and the Senate, as well as industrial, agricultural, and service companies, training centers, and institutions like AgroParisTech.

High-level African participation

High-level African figures attended the Business Tour, including Makani Diaby, vice-president of the Senate of Côte d'Ivoire, Raymonde Goudou Coffie (former Minister of Health), and Charles-Denis Kouassi, general director of the CNPS in Côte d'Ivoire. Marie-Paule Yacé, ministerial advisor to the embassy of Côte d'Ivoire, noted the event's dynamic potential for long-term projects in various areas.

Awards and recognition

During the closing evening of the Business Tour, 11 Ivorian personalities received the AfriConex 2026 award. These included Nialé Kaba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Côte d'Ivoire, and others such as Dandi Gnamou, Dr. Raymonde Goudou Coffie, and judoka Audrey Tcheuméo.

Economic growth in West Africa

West African countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Benin, Togo, and Morocco are showing economic growth. Côte d'Ivoire's growth rate in 2025 was 6.5%, Benin's was 8.1%, and Morocco's was 4.9%. Their exports in 2023 totaled 18.7 billion dollars for Côte d'Ivoire, 2.5 billion for Benin, 1.6 billion for Togo, and 45 billion for Morocco.

Challenges and opportunities

Challenges include transforming raw materials locally, expanding exported products, and strengthening skills to create jobs. Sectors such as agriculture, processing, logistics, health, and renewable energies offer opportunities for cooperation. Artificial intelligence is projected to generate 1,000 billion dollars in revenue by 2035, but infrastructure, financing, and market access remain significant hurdles.