Juliana Lumumba Calls for an Economically Stronger Francophonie

Juliana Amato Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo's candidate for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), has published a new opinion piece calling for the Francophonie to become a stronger economic force alongside its cultural and linguistic mission.

Published in the pan-African financial newspaper Financial Afrik, the article, titled "Francophonie Must Become an Economic Power," outlines Lumumba's vision for a more modern, inclusive, and economically integrated Francophone community. The proposal builds on her campaign platform, "Nine New Projects for a New Francophonie," which focuses on innovation, youth, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.

Lumumba argues that the French-speaking world already possesses significant economic weight, bringing together nearly 390 million French speakers, accounting for around 20% of global merchandise trade and more than 16% of global GDP. However, she says this potential has yet to be fully translated into stronger economic cooperation among member states.

She also highlights Africa's growing importance within the Francophonie, noting that by 2050 nearly 90% of French speakers are expected to live on the continent. According to Lumumba, this demographic shift presents an opportunity to make Africa the driving force behind the next chapter of Francophone economic development.

Her proposals include creating exchange programmes for entrepreneurs and innovators, strengthening cooperation in research and technology, investing in artificial intelligence and digital skills, and promoting digital sovereignty by expanding French-language content and technological tools.

Lumumba also calls for greater support for women entrepreneurs, stronger recognition of the Francophone diaspora as an economic partner, and increased opportunities for young people to contribute to innovation and business across the French-speaking world.

Throughout the article, she argues that the Francophonie should move beyond preserving a shared language and culture to becoming a platform for investment, entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic integration.

The publication forms part of Lumumba's campaign ahead of the election for the next Secretary-General of the OIF, which will take place during the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh in November 2026.

With this latest contribution, Juliana Amato Lumumba continues to present her vision for a Francophonie that is more connected to the economic aspirations of its member states and better positioned to respond to the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing global economy.