MEDEF International, African Union deepen partnership on trade, SMEs and industrial cooperation
Date: 2026-04-28
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
MEDEF
International and the African Union have intensified their strategic
partnership following a high-level engagement with the African Union Commission
aimed at deepening economic cooperation and private sector collaboration.
The
meeting, held three years after MEDEF International’s initial mission to the
African Union headquarters, brought together representatives of the French
private sector and officials from the new Commission, including Commissioner
for Economic Integration Francisca Tatchouop Belobe.
Discussions
focused on developing a joint roadmap covering key priority areas, including
the promotion of African and international companies aligned with continental
standards under Agenda 2063, strengthening African chambers of commerce, and
supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those
led by women.
The
dialogue also explored opportunities to advance studies and investment in
logistics infrastructure and strategic transport corridors, as well as to
enhance the economic benefits of cooperation between the European Union and the
African Union.
Officials
highlighted that an existing partnership agreement between MEDEF International
and the African Space Agency, signed in September 2025, provides a foundation
for expanded collaboration with the African Union and its affiliated
institutions.
The
engagement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between African and
French business communities, including cooperation with networks such as
Business Africa and the Alliance des Patronats Francophones, with a focus on
promoting co-industrialisation, mutual investment and equitable value creation.
Both
sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a partnership model centred on
shared growth, industrial development and enhanced private sector participation
across Africa.
