The French Embassy in Monrovia has officially launched the 2026 edition of the Printemps de la Francophonie, placing youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship at the center of this year’s celebrations.
The opening ceremony, held at the Embassy, brought together diplomats, government officials, development partners, media representatives, and members of the public in a strong show of support for the Francophone community and its future.
Delivering the keynote address, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire and President of the Francophone Community, Georgette M’BRAH, underscored the significance of this year’s theme: “Youth: Create, Innovate, Entrepreneurship in the Francophonie.” She emphasized the urgency of investing in young people in response to demographic trends and development challenges across Francophone countries.
“I am pleased to take the floor on the occasion of this gathering marking the start of the Printemps de la Francophonie in Liberia for the year 2026,” she said. “The selection of this theme reflects the development challenges faced by our countries, where youth remain at the center of our priorities.”
Citing global statistics, Ambassador M’BRAH highlighted the rapid growth of youth populations, particularly in Africa. “Already in 2020, the World Bank estimated 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 in a global population of 7.5 billion,” she noted. “By 2060, more than 700 million people will live in Francophone countries, with three-quarters of Africa’s population under the age of thirty.”
She stressed that these projections represent both opportunity and challenge. “They are a great hope and an immense challenge for the Francophone family: hope, because the future of the French language has never looked more promising; and a challenge, because we must offer meaningful prospects to young people.”
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to prioritize youth engagement, including reforms initiated in 2019 and the creation of the International Network of Francophone Youth in 2022. The 2024 Villers-Cotterêts Declaration was also referenced as a reaffirmation of commitments to youth inclusion, peace, sustainable development, and shared values.
According to Ambassador M’BRAH, these commitments are supported by a four-point roadmap focusing on governance support, youth employability, civic and cultural education, and sustainability awareness.
As part of the week-long celebrations in Liberia, activities include training sessions for French teachers, cultural programs and book donations, a dance event titled “Let’s Dance the Francophonie,” and a gastronomic fair.
“Throughout this week dedicated to the celebration of the Francophonie, we stand by Liberian youth,” she affirmed.
France Reaffirms Support for Education and Regional Peace
Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of France to Liberia, Isabelle Le Guellec, and highlighted France’s continued support for education and capacity-building initiatives in Liberia, particularly in strengthening French language instruction and professional training.
She noted that the Embassy is supporting polytechnic education and working closely with partners, including the Alliance Française, to improve teaching standards.
“We are working to expand training opportunities for French language teachers in Liberian schools to strengthen their teaching skills,” she said. “We are also developing professional training opportunities, including for security personnel such as police officers, border officials, and members of the Armed Forces of Liberia.”
Ambassador Le Guellec also addressed regional peace and diplomatic cooperation, reaffirming France’s commitment to stability in West Africa amid ongoing tensions in parts of the region.
“We are friends of Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire,” she stated. “Liberia has endured enough conflict, and we want to support this aspiration for peace through diplomatic means.”
She added that while certain regional issues remain sensitive, France is ready to support efforts led by regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union in promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
A Call for Youth Investment and Shared Prosperity
Concluding the ceremony, Ambassador M’BRAH reiterated the importance of investing in young people.
“We remain convinced that investing in youth and encouraging them to create, innovate, and embrace entrepreneurship is not only a way to transform lives,” she said. “It also generates significant economic and social benefits for all.”
The ceremony ended on a hopeful note with a renewed call for unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity across the Francophone world.
“Long live the Francophonie!” she declared.
Background
The Printemps de la Francophonie
The Printemps de la Francophonie is a global cultural celebration during which institutions, schools, embassies, and cultural centers organize activities such as film screenings, cultural exhibitions, concerts, and food festivals. Its goal is to promote the French language, highlight the diversity of Francophone cultures, and strengthen a sense of belonging to a global French-speaking community.
It is both a cultural diplomacy initiative and a public engagement platform for Francophone values.
Behind the initiative is the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), an intergovernmental organization bringing together more than 90 states and governments that share the use of French or an attachment to Francophone values. Its work is structured around three main pillars: promoting culture and education, supporting democracy and governance, and advancing sustainable development cooperation.
Beyond its cultural role, the OIF also plays a political and diplomatic function through election observation missions, governance support, and international dialogue. Liberia is currently a candidate for membership in the organization.
