Emmanuel Macron and Macky Sall in reflection on development aid in Africa
Macky Sall and Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace, May 17, 2021. (Illustration) © Pierre René-Worms/RFI
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2 mins
This Wednesday, February 16, Emmanuel Macron will be alongside his Senegalese counterpart Macky Sall, current president of the African Union.
They will participate together, in Paris, in an event of the French Development Agency (AFD).
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This event, a series of round tables on "
how to invest
" for "
a new alliance between Africa and Europe
", falls within the framework of the reflection undertaken on issues related to development aid.
On the side of the Élysée, we are talking about "
refounding the software
", that is to say reviewing the relationship with the African continent both in "
terms, methods and objectives
", we are assured. .
"
We don't want alms
"
A revision that notably involves semantics.
During the Montpellier summit
, the French president was challenged on the word and the notion of “
development
”, “
we don't want alms
” constantly repeating
the African actors on the ground.
This research must also lead to a reflection on the substance.
How can we better meet the needs on the continent, particularly in the field of infrastructure or support for SMEs?
The French cooperation body faces various challenges that are often highlighted, such as slowness, lack of flexibility and the complexity of the mechanisms.
Pitfalls difficult to overcome as was recalled this Wednesday morning by African entrepreneurs who met the French Minister in charge of Foreign Trade, Franck Riester.
“
Being there
” in the face of Chinese competition
Questions that will be brought by France to Brussels, which wishes to “
be there
” in the face of Chinese competition, for example.
A speech by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Macky Sall is expected at the end of the day, a few hours before a much-awaited dinner at the Élysée Palace on the future of French military engagement and the day before the European summit between the EU and the AU.
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To read also: Africa/Europe: how tech companies are internationalizing
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France
Africa
Emmanuel Macron
Macky Hall
Cooperation and Development
Diplomacy
African Union