Do not lose hope for Africa

Dov Zerah, a former Director General of the French Development Agency, has launched a new think-tank on Africa called La palabre sous le Baobab. The aim of this initiative is to address the current state of France’s relations with the African continent and move the debate forward.

Zerah and his colleagues have observed a sense of failure in recent events between Africa and France. They feel that their efforts to promote Africa’s economic development have not yielded the desired results. The growing disenchantment with France and the lack of debate on African issues have further fueled their motivation to create this think-tank.

Born in Africa and with a deep love for the continent, Zerah believes that it is crucial to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the challenges facing France-Africa relations. The think-tank aims to ask important questions and encourage collective debate on issues such as governance, human rights, and democracy.

In a complex geopolitical context where France’s economic presence, military bases, and cultural influence in Africa are under threat, Zerah emphasizes the need for innovative solutions. He highlights the importance of focusing on agriculture and education as key sectors for development in Africa.

Zerah also calls for a debate on the CFA franc, stressing the need to clarify misconceptions and address the economic advantages it provides to member countries. He believes that engaging the African diasporas and mobilizing French communities in Africa can be powerful vectors in strengthening the relationship between France and Africa.

Overall, Zerah’s think-tank aims to spark meaningful discussions, challenge existing narratives, and find sustainable solutions for the future of France-Africa relations. By addressing complex issues and promoting dialogue, they hope to contribute to a more positive and constructive relationship between the two continents.