To deepen partnerships, the French-African foundation has launched its 2025 applications for the young leaders’ programme under the theme: “Lead with purpose”.
Through the initiative, at least 30 outstanding young professionals from Africa and France are expected to join this year’s cohort. The programme aims to strengthen impactful Franco-African partnerships across various sectors.
Specifically, applicants are expected from sectors that include arts, sports, entrepreneurship, executive roles, diplomacy, politics, activism, journalism, and other impact-driven fields
The 2025 edition is a call to action encouraging leadership driven by responsibility, commitment, the power to inspire and unite.
The exceptional cohort will be held under the patronage of French President; Emmanuel Macron and Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina. The new opportunity, which opened on Monday, February 17, would last till March 30, 2025, offering young talents from Africa and France the opportunity to apply for the new edition.
According to the organisers, those applying must be within the age bracket 28 to 40 by 2025, must be a nationality of an African country or French nationality, have at least five years professional experience demonstrating leadership and impacts, as well as demonstrate proficiency in English language while french is an asset
For integrity of the selection process, a high-level jury, composed of distinguished public and private sector leaders, would select the final cohort.
Speaking on the scheme, a board member/alumna of the French-African Foundation, Aïssa Ndiaye, explained that the Young Leaders program embodies a strong belief, adding that today’s leadership must be guided by responsibility and commitment.
Ndiaye : ‘‘Lead with Purpose’ is not just a theme, it is a call to unite, innovate, and build lasting bridges between France and Africa. Through this edition, we aim to spotlight a generation of change-makers shaping a more inclusive and impactful future.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the French-African Foundation, Nachouat Meghouar, said
Madagascar as the host country for the 2025 edition, represents African excellence through its entrepreneurial dynamism, rich culture, and unique craftsmanship known as the ‘Vita Malagasy.’
Meghouar said : ‘’As the largest island on the continent and a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean, it is home to talents and success stories that resonate far beyond its borders. With strong historical ties to France, the country attracts numerous investors and innovators across various sectors. Honouring Madagascar means recognising its key role in Africa’s economic and cultural landscape.”
Founded in 2019, the French-African foundation champions excellence in Franco-African partnerships while showcasing African and French successes. Since 2024, the foundation has also organised AFRICA Day, the largest youth gathering in France celebrating African excellence, in partnership with Sciences Po.
In 2025, AXIAN, the pan-African giant in telecommunications, energy, and financial inclusion, becomes a co-organiser of AFRICA Day, reinforcing commitment to celebrate African excellence and showcasing the continent’s success stories on the global stage.
With a network of 182 alumni, previous Young Leaders editions have been held under the leadership of the French President, as well as the Presidents of Ghana-Nana Akufo-Addo, Senegal ; Macky Sall and Rwanda, Paul Kagame. The Programme is supported by public and private sector partners, including Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, TV5 Monde, Orange, Africa Global Logistics, Danone, Total Energies, Concerto, Bpifrance, and Boston Consulting Group.