Several agreements aimed at enhancing trade and cooperation were established during the 7th Francophonie Economic Mission, which took place in Djibouti from October 6 to 8, 2026.
The event fostered business networking and discussions, culminating in multiple partnerships between Djiboutian stakeholders and international partners from various French-speaking nations. Notably, an agreement was signed between the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce and the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade in sectors such as agriculture, commerce, handicrafts, and tourism.
The digital revolution, driven by artificial intelligence and the energy transition, is transforming economic models, skills requirements, and the conditions for competitiveness. In this rapidly changing environment, diversifying partnerships and strengthening trade within and between regions are no longer just opportunities; they are becoming key drivers of resilience.
In addition to the business agreements, the mission focused on education and digital skills. The International Organisation of La Francophonie, in partnership with Djibouti’s Ministry of National Education, signed an agreement to train 200 young Djiboutians in web and mobile development, networking, and cybersecurity. This training will occur from October 2026 to September 2027, aligning with current economic demands.
Ladies and gentlemen, as this mission comes to an end, we also know that its true success will be measured over time, by the ability of stakeholders to follow up on the contacts made and the progress achieved. The organization I represent will be there to support you. This need to turn commitments into concrete results brings us back to an essential question: Who do we want to benefit from this economic momentum?
For the young participants, the mission opened pathways to new markets and partnerships, promising opportunities to enhance their skills. Rachel Manguelle, an entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of exploring a diverse energy portfolio, stating, “When we talk about renewable energy, people tend to focus more on geothermal, wind, and solar power. However, biomass has not yet been sufficiently developed. We are here precisely to promote the energy transition and propose solutions for cooperation between Djibouti and Cameroon.”
The economic mission has successfully facilitated the exchange of opportunities among French-speaking countries, leading to institutional agreements and collaborations. The challenge now lies in transforming these commitments into actionable projects that foster innovation, cooperation, and job creation across the Francophone region.
