Gérardine Mahoro is CEO ACT05, the first African firm specializing in African affairs in Europe, based in Paris, with representations in Brussels and Abidjan. Before being at the head of ACT05, she worked for the AfDB and PWC. Present at the Africa France summit in Montpellier, she gives us her impressions.
You just attended the Africa-France summit. What conclusions do you draw from this Franco-African reunion?
We can’t really talk about a reunion, the Franco-African relationship is a long, continuous and tumultuous story. I retain the format of this meeting which was favorable to discussion, and the opportunity given to African and French companies to meet. Other presidents should learn from it. However, it is a pity that all the attention was placed on this exchange between the young people and President Macron since the questions were usual and the answers too. Discussions remained on the socio-political aspect, skimming over and omitting economic issues when, I am convinced, the private sector is essential for the Franco-African relationship. I had to exchange with many companies in this context throughout the year and they regret the amalgamation made between state relations and relations between citizens and companies of France with companies and citizens in Africa. Besides, I agree with them on this point. More and more business leaders feel they are undergoing French government action and politics in Africa. As much as I found the work done during the year here and there around businesses and SMEs interesting, the plenary was almost counterproductive. Our ambition and vision for ACT05 is to show Africa more as an opportunity than a risk, and we are supporting our clients and partners in this regard. I therefore encourage the organization of such events.
Some people wonder what legitimacy does the French president have to meet these young Africans? Was it normal not to invite African heads of state?
“Legitimacy”, “normality” are words that inspire me with fear, lack of creativity, immobility and conformism. Anyone, any president or leader can organize such an event and I encourage them to do so. President Macron is the President of France and does his job trying to be creative to achieve his goals. Including France’s relationship with African countries. I would like to see more and more African presidents doing so much to defend the interests of their countries. One can imagine X African countries actively working on their relationship with Europe and with the leading European youth of tomorrow; invite businesses and civil society to discover what country X has to offer, etc. I will gladly give a helping hand to the leaders who will go in this direction. Everyone is legitimate to do so. We have to move on. When it comes to normality, it’s disappointing to hear that word in this context. In 2021 with our challenges, we need to think outside the box and keep only what works. Normality has nothing to do with the search for solutions. The word normality must be replaced by innovation and creativity.
Much has been said about the rise of anti-French sentiment in Africa. Is this a phenomenon that you perceive in the world of institutions and finance?
I wouldn’t say anti-French in business, but it is true that we are seeing a loss of speed in France as well as a decline in its attractiveness and influence. France would benefit from considering, in practice, African countries as business partners. This is what our generation and those to come want, and it is what I am working on. Position Africa as a continent of opportunity and support those who want to seize this opportunity. When one is in this state of mind, which is that of the business world and of youth today, France’s liabilities and the slowness of change in its relationship with Africans are discouraging and even repulsive. Those who can choose to do business elsewhere. The whole world is opening up and caring about Africa.
Can the diaspora speak of anti-French sentiment?
The case of the diaspora deserves a full interview. I myself am from the diaspora, I am Rwandan, I spend my time between Europe and Africa, and I am one of those who put the mission into business. So you can imagine that I am not indifferent to what is going on. I am like many African people. Our feelings are engaged and therefore everything takes on proportions that do not occur when we observe the relations of other countries with our countries of origin. But when it comes to France, I have several reasons to take it to heart. First the heavy past, then my dual belonging, and finally my ability to see and understand things that people of one culture will not perceive or understand. We, the diaspora, are therefore ultra-sensitive and are a force that is wasted for the moment. To be anti-French when you are a diaspora living in France, being French and demanding to be considered as full French like any other French, is a mistake in my opinion. You cannot be “anti” part of her family, and demand her to consider us at the same time. Being an African diaspora in France is like watching your two parents tear each other apart, while being aware that one has more responsibilities than the other. We must be part of the solution. In any case, this is my personal choice.
