Language as a Lever for Bringing People Closer Together

Every 20th of March, the Francophone world celebrates International Francophonie Day, an opportunity to honor the Francophone identity. This date marks the birth of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation, which later became the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger. This year, the day is celebrated under the theme of education, which shapes conscious citizens: I educate myself, therefore I act.

The CAFRAD shares the values of Francophonie as an institution that speaks the French language and promotes initiatives in this language. It is therefore only natural for us to focus on this celebration, in order to reflect on the French language and its current impact on the Pan-African sphere.

The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF)

Under the motto “Equality, Complementarity, Solidarity,” the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) currently includes 93 member states and governments as of 2024, consisting of 53 member states, 5 associated states, and 32 observers. These states are spread across seven regions of the world. The OIF operates under the authority of three political bodies: the Summit of Heads of State and Government, known as the Francophonie Summit, the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF), and the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF). The position of Secretary General of La Francophonie is currently held by Her Excellency Madam Louise Mushikiwabo.

The OIF embodies multilateralism and promotes cooperation among member states with the aim of defending their common interests. This is achieved through a preventive approach led by the diplomatic influence of the Secretary-General and through the representation of the OIF at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, at the European Union in Brussels, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa. La Francophonie supports states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening the influence of French-speaking countries in international negotiations. It organizes workshops and consultations to support delegations during major global conferences on issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

The OIF promotes multilateralism and assists ministers of Commerce and Finance in international economic discussions, notably at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank (WB). It collaborates with various partners, including the United Nations, to diversify its resources and enhance the impact of its sustainable development programs.

La Francophonie

This celebration of the French language serves as a reminder that Francophonie today spans 321 million speakers across continents. Institutionalized Francophonie is also a framework working towards the promotion of the language and the rapprochement of peoples who share it, through political, educational, cultural, and economic cooperation.

The mission of La Francophonie is to promote the French language as well as cultural and linguistic diversity worldwide. It also works in favor of peace, democracy (Bamako Declaration, 2000), and the respect for human rights, striving to strengthen universal values of freedom and solidarity. Furthermore, it supports education, training, higher education, and research, considered essential levers for the progress of societies. Finally, La Francophonie is committed to developing economic cooperation (Economic Strategy for Francophonie 2020-2025) to foster sustainable, balanced, and inclusive development for its members. At the heart of its actions, it places digitalization and digital transformations (Digital Strategy for Francophonie 2022-2026).

CAFRAD, Francophonie, and Education

On the occasion of International Francophonie Day (JIF), it is clear that the Pan-African intergovernmental organization is actively working to promote the motto “I educate myself, therefore I act”, which is embodied by its very mission. The organization encourages member states to seize this opportunity to take concrete action for quality and inclusive education through massive investment and funding. As a training and research center, CAFRAD is part of a resolutely African educational initiative. Its strategic vision unfolds through a series of programs and actions aimed at strengthening capacities, promoting higher education, and fostering research and documentation. With 63 years of experience, the Center has hosted numerous Pan-African events, conferences, and seminars on various topics, such as enhancing the administrative, managerial, diplomatic, legal, and interpersonal skills of African citizens. These events have been conducted in the four official languages of the Organization, including French, which is the official or one of the official languages of many member states.

The question of the French language in Africa is of paramount importance in the context of development, diplomacy, and African unity. As the official language of many African states, French plays a key role in political, economic, and cultural exchanges within the continent. It facilitates communication between French-speaking African countries, thus strengthening diplomatic ties and multilateral cooperation. The language also holds a crucial place in education and skills development, being the preferred academic language in many African countries. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices among nations, while offering students the opportunity to pursue their studies in other Francophone countries, thereby promoting academic mobility and intellectual development at the continental level.

In a context where Africa aspires to greater regional integration and increased influence on the global stage, the French language serves as a strategic tool for accessing international events, whether political, economic, or academic. Moreover, through its promotion of multilateralism, French enables African countries to actively participate in discussions on global issues such as climate change, human rights, and sustainable development.

However, although this language is an asset for many African countries, its impact varies depending on its use and teaching in each country. While some states have successfully integrated the language into their educational and administrative systems, others face challenges related to linguistic diversity and unequal access to education in French. CAFRAD, in this regard, supports the Francophone approach to cultural and linguistic diversity.

This is why the General Directorate of CAFRAD calls upon the Secretary-General of the Francophonie to support the transformational vision of Africa carried by CAFRAD. Indeed, under the leadership of the Director-General, Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, several programs have been proposed; programs for the training and development of leaders, senior officials, and managers in Africa, aimed at accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as the establishment of open governments and the economic, digital, ecological, intelligent, systemic, and structural transformation of the continent. Strengthening the role of Francophonie in Africa necessarily involves developing a close partnership with CAFRAD and financing the organization’s programs in the interest of the 45 member states.

The Agency for Francophone Universities (AUF) and the Francophonie scholarship programs can serve as tools for collaboration with CAFRAD, as well as for conflict prevention and the promotion of lasting peace in Africa.

The Director-General and all the staff of CAFRAD wish the entire Francophone community in Africa and beyond an excellent commemoration of JIF.

Long live the Francophonie!

Long live Africa!

Long live CAFRAD!

For a new Africa, I act!