The Future of the Francophonie Belongs to Its Youth- Juliana Lumumba

The race for the leadership of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) is entering a decisive phase, with the Democratic Republic of Congo positioning itself at the center of a broader shift in the Francophone world.

Kinshasa is backing Juliana Amato Lumumba, a former Minister of Culture, whose candidacy reflects both experience within government and a forward-looking vision for the future of the Francophonie.

Supported at the highest levels of the Congolese state, her campaign is built around a clear objective: to shape a Francophonie that is more united, more influential, and more connected to its demographic reality, one increasingly defined by Africa and its youth.

Lumumba brings a long track record in public service, having served as a deputy minister and later as a minister. Her work has focused on cultural policy and what she describes as “narrative sovereignty,” a concept that seeks to strengthen how Francophone countries define and project their own stories on the global stage.

Her campaign is structured around a roadmap of nine key projects aimed at renewing the Francophonie. These include strengthening cooperation between member states, promoting peace, and investing more deeply in education, innovation, and youth engagement.

Beyond the candidate herself, her candidacy also reflects a broader strategic ambition by the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the country with one of the largest Francophone populations in the world, the DRC seeks to play a more decisive role in shaping the organisation's direction.

Speaking about her vision on Africa24TV, Lumumba placed youth at the center of this transformation.

“There are so many young people because they are our greatest asset. They need to become aware of this and take ownership of this message,” she said.

She emphasized that the future of the Francophonie depends on its ability to mobilize this generation, positioning young people not only as beneficiaries but as active drivers of cultural, economic, and political renewal.

“I am sure that together, we will create a united Francophonie, a stronger Francophonie, a Francophonie that is present,” she added, expressing confidence in the role the DRC can play through its population, energy, and determination.

As the OIF approaches a critical moment, the debate is increasingly shifting beyond personalities toward deeper questions about relevance, representation, and the future direction of the Francophone space.

In that context, Lumumba’s message is that the future of the Francophonie will be shaped not only by institutions, but by its people, and above all, by its youth.