What French-African Foundation does

The French-African Foundation is a Paris-based nonprofit organization founded in 2019 (succeeding the Africa France Foundation that launched the Young Leaders program in 2017) that operates a portfolio of leadership development, networking, and cultural programs aimed at connecting young African and French professionals. Its core programs include the Young Leaders program (an annual cohort of 30 selected from 6,000+ applicants, with 182 alumni aged on average 34), AFRICA Day (an annual celebration of African excellence co-organized with Sciences Po and Axian Group, drawing 4,000+ participants in 2025), KESSA (a 2026-launched storytellers program in partnership with UM6P Story School), Nova Garage (a 2026 tech entrepreneurship platform launched with the Autonomous Advancement Initiative), and the Davos Private CEOs Dinner. The Foundation operates under the high patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron and various African heads of state, lending significant institutional credibility.

The entity is supported by a network of strategic partners spanning public institutions and private corporations, including the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Danone, Concerto, TV5Monde, Africa Global Logistics, Bpifrance, Orange, France Médias Monde, Boston Consulting Group, TotalEnergies, Sharp Vision, Sciences Po, Axian Group, and Jeune Afrique Media Group. These partnerships provide financial contributions, venues, speakers, media amplification, and participant referrals. Activities are conducted through week-long intensive sessions, primarily in France and rotating African countries, plus flagship events.

The Foundation spans 40+ African countries plus France, the United States, and the Middle East, with 50+ African nationalities represented. Headcount is approximately 20 employees. Programs are accessed via application and invitation, with no participation fees disclosed publicly. The Foundation is governed by a board including co-founder and Co-President Khaled Igue, CEO Nachouat Meghouar, and board members Aissa Ndiaye, Thierry Lacroix, Olga Marysa, and Alexandre Coster. There is no equity ownership, parent company, or VC involvement; funding is partnership-driven rather than investment-driven.

Name

French-African Foundation

Legal name

French-African Foundation

Website

https://french-african.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The French-African Foundation is a Paris-based nonprofit founded in 2019 that runs leadership development, networking, and cultural programs connecting young African and French professionals through flagship initiatives including the Young Leaders program, AFRICA Day, KESSA, Nova Garage, and the Davos Private CEOs Dinner, supported by corporate and public-sector partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Leadership Development Programs

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nonprofit, Social Services & Community Development Congresses (THAHAJAO), Sponsorship, Exhibitor & Partnership Management Services (THAHACAK), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Leadership development programs
• Youth professional networks
• Cross-cultural exchange programs
• Nonprofit foundation services
• Professional networking events

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Partnership and sponsorship funding: The Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization supported by strategic partners from the private and public sectors. Activities are sustained by partners including the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Danone, Concerto, TV5Monde, Africa Global Logistics, Bpifrance, Orange, France Médias Monde, Boston Consulting Group, TotalEnergies, and Sharp Vision. These partnerships provide financial and operational support for programs like Young Leaders, AFRICA Day, Nova Garage, and KESSA.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The French-African Foundation operates a portfolio of leadership development programs and high-profile events that convene young African and French professionals with heads of state, senior executives, and institutional decision-makers. Its flagship Young Leaders program selects cohorts of ~30 emerging leaders annually for two-week intensive sessions in France and an African country; complementary offerings include AFRICA Day (annual celebration and conference), KESSA (Pan-African Storytellers Programme), Nova Garage (tech entrepreneurship platform), and the Davos Private CEOs Dinner. Programs are funded by corporate and institutional sponsors and delivered at no cost to selected participants.

Product overview

The French-African Foundation operates a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on fostering French-African leadership and collaboration. The core offerings include the Young Leaders Program (leadership development and networking), AFRICA Day (annual celebration and career platform), KESSA (storytelling mentorship), and Nova Garage (tech innovation showcase). These programs are supported by strategic partnerships with private companies and public institutions, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for developing pan-African professional networks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Young Leaders: Flagship program connecting visionary African and French leaders with influential decision-makers to build sustainable bridges between Africa and France. A pan-African network of young professionals providing networking, training, and mentoring.
• AFRICA Day
• KESSA
• Nova Garage
• Davos Private CEOs Dinner

Products and services

• Young Leaders Program Flagship two-week leadership program connecting ~30 selected visionary young African and French professionals each year with heads of state, senior executives, and decision-makers through networking, training, and mentorship sessions held one week in France and one week in an African country. Targets emerging leaders aged 28-40 with at least 5 years of professional experience.
• AFRICA Day Annual flagship event celebrating African excellence and shared achievements between Africa and France, co-organized with Sciences Po and Axian Group. Brings together 4,000+ students, recent graduates, and young professionals with high-level African and French leaders through 30+ conferences and roundtables.
• KESSA - The Young Panafrican Storytellers Programme Joint program with UM6P Story School supporting emerging African storytellers — including artists, journalists, scientists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs shaping modern African narratives — through immersive training residencies in Rabat. The 2026 cohort comprises 30 laureates from 14 countries.
• Nova Garage Pan-African innovation platform showcasing next-generation African tech entrepreneurs during the Africa Forward Summit. Features a selected cohort of 15 entrepreneurs under 35 presenting technological solutions in energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.
• Davos Private CEOs Dinner Exclusive event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos bringing together African and international leaders, investors, and senior decision-makers to shift Africa from rule-taker to influential actor in global trade governance.
• Business Forum & Networking Events High-level events including cocktails, breakfasts, and conferences connecting young talents with decision-makers and entrepreneurs, featuring prominent personalities and strategic partner networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• 182 alumni network with average age of 34
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe French Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports Franco-African initiatives and promotes strategic partnerships for sustainable impact. The MEAE plays a key role in international relations and provides institutional backing for Foundation programs.
• DanonekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal leader in food and health products committed to improving health through innovative and sustainable solutions. Supports Foundation initiatives as part of its commitment to social impact in Africa.
• ConcertokeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leader in international public affairs spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Concerto excels in economic intelligence, international communication, and economic diplomacy. Serves as the Foundation's communication partner providing strategic support for visibility.
• TV5MondekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational French-language television channel, one of the three largest global TV networks. Available in 421 million households across 200+ countries, reaching 60+ million viewers weekly. Promotes African and French voices on the international stage.
• Africa Global LogisticskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvider of logistics and transport solutions that facilitates intra-African and international trade with modern infrastructure and advanced services. Supports Foundation programs and events.
• BpifrancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe French public investment bank supports businesses in growth and internationalization, with strong focus on innovation and social impact. Co-organizes Inspire & Connect events with the Foundation in Africa.
• OrangekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading telecommunications operator in Africa, playing a pivotal role in financial, digital, and energy inclusion across the continent. Supports Foundation initiatives and provides networking opportunities.
• France Médias MondekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia group behind France 24, RFI, and MCD that amplifies voices of Africa and France globally. Provides media coverage and visibility for Foundation initiatives.
• Boston Consulting GroupkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobally renowned management consulting firm that helps organizations innovate and achieve operational excellence. Provides coaching and expertise for Young Leaders program participants.
• TotalEnergieskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal integrated energy company operating in ~120 countries, committed to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Supports Foundation programs and provides high-level engagement opportunities for Young Leaders.
• Sharp VisionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI-powered regulatory platform provider enabling governments to monitor and regulate digital ecosystems. Supports Foundation initiatives as part of its emerging markets expertise.
• Sciences PocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrestigious French institution that co-organizes AFRICA Day with the Foundation. Provides venue and academic credibility for flagship annual event celebrating African excellence.
• Axian GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of AFRICA Day with Sciences Po and the Foundation. Led by CEO Hassanein Hiridjee, the group is a major African investment and development company.
• Jeune Afrique Media GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partnership ensuring exceptional presence at AFRICA CEO FORUM, the African Davos and largest platform for Africa's private sector. Young CEOs benefit from exclusive program segments and networking opportunities.
• UM6P Story SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMohammed VI Polytechnic University's Story School partnered with Foundation to launch KESSA - The Young Panafrican Storytellers Programme. Joint initiative supporting emerging African storytellers.
• Autonomous Advancement InitiativekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in launching Nova Garage, a pan-African innovation platform dedicated to African tech entrepreneurship at the Africa Forward Summit.
• NuvisionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Nova Garage innovation platform launch, supporting African tech entrepreneurship and emerging value-creation drivers.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Obama Foundation Leaders Program: The Obama Foundation runs leadership programs (Leaders, Scholars, Voyagers) that train cohorts of emerging community leaders globally. It shares the same curated-cohort leadership-development model as the French-African Foundation but at a larger global scale with different geographic focus.
• Mastercard Foundation: The Mastercard Foundation runs large-scale programs such as Young Africa Works that develop African leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. It is comparable as a major philanthropic funder and operator of youth-focused African programs, though at vastly greater scale than the French-African Foundation.
• Tony Blair Institute for Global Change: The Tony Blair Institute works with political leaders and governments on governance and policy change, including a strong Africa portfolio. It is comparable as a leadership and governance-focused organization with high-level convening power and corporate/government partnerships.
• Young Global Leaders (World Economic Forum): WEF's Young Global Leaders is a broader, more established leadership network selecting exceptional leaders under 40 from across the world. It is comparable in cohort-based leadership curation and lifetime network model, but operates globally rather than focusing on Africa-France relations.

Direct peers

• African Leadership Network (ALN): ALN is a membership-based network of African business leaders focused on growing African businesses and intra-African investment. It is comparable as a curated pan-African professional network for high-level leaders, similar in model to the French-African Foundation's Young Leaders alumni network.
• Mo Ibrahim Foundation: The Mo Ibrahim Foundation focuses on African leadership and governance, including the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership and governance indices. It is comparable as a high-profile Africa-focused foundation that uses recognition and networks to shape leadership outcomes, mirroring the French-African Foundation's mission.
• Africa Leadership Academy: Africa Leadership Academy is a pan-African institution that trains and develops emerging African leaders aged 15-19 through residential programs and a global network of alumni. Its mission and selective cohort model closely parallel the French-African Foundation's Young Leaders program.
• Tony Elumelu Foundation: The Tony Elumelu Foundation runs the continent's largest pan-African entrepreneurship and leadership program, training and funding African entrepreneurs. Like the French-African Foundation, it curates cohorts of African leaders, attracts high-profile partners, and aims to develop the next generation of African change-makers, making it a directly comparable peer.

Regional players

• Africa CEO Forum: Africa CEO Forum is the largest annual gathering of African private sector leaders, organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group (a Foundation partner). It is comparable as a high-profile African leadership/business convening platform but serves an older executive audience across Africa rather than young leaders between France and Africa.

Emerging players

• Spring Fellowship Programs (Springboard): Springboard convenes high-potential women leaders across Africa and Asia through curated cohorts and convenings. It is comparable as a small-scale, selective, cohort-based leadership development program with a global South focus, though narrower in scope than the French-African Foundation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/french_african
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoiaGOMM4HW2hAjL2VsPhrw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/french-african-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/frenchafricanfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about French-African Foundation