Cian

AN EXPERIENCE

The Cian, a French private professional organization under the 1901 law, brings together industrial and service companies, including large corporations and SMEs, investing in Africa. With over 160 member companies generating €60 billion in revenue, Cian represents 80% of French economic activity in Africa.

Cian is dedicated to promoting and defending its members’ interests in Africa by fostering experience-sharing through its commissions, providing advice and support via an influential network, and engaging with public and private decision-makers, both in France and abroad. It offers pragmatic solutions to the challenges of business development on the continent.

AN ORGANIZATION

Membership in Cian requires a dual sponsorship, and the organization leads several commissions addressing key topics and cross-cutting challenges for businesses operating in Africa (security, CSR, social issues, education and training, legal and tax matters, anti-corruption, and health). It also provides its members with geographical experts covering North Africa, Anglophone Africa, Lusophone Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and interregional organizations.

Cian maintains an international network of correspondents, recognized experts whose field experience strengthens its expertise. Their insights are consolidated in the Cian Barometer on the Business Environment in Africa, published annually and serving as a reference document for investors.

A NETWORK

Cian maintains strong ties with public authorities, economic organizations, and professional bodies in France, Africa, and internationally. It is a member of EBCAM (European Business Council for Africa and the Mediterranean) and collaborates with the U.S.-based Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

Since its inception, Cian has encouraged its members to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development as part of their corporate social responsibility. Members adhere to the Cian Charter on Sustainable Development and its Declaration on Corruption Prevention and have initiated structural projects for the continent, including RH Excellence Afrique, OHADA, Entreprises & Santé, and ACP-Numérique.

HISTORY

Cian originates from two professional unions: the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats du Commerce Ouest Africain (FENASYCOA) for trade and the Association Internationale pour le Développement Économique et l’Aide Technique (AIAT) for industry. In July 1979, these organizations merged under the leadership of Jacques Ferrandi, former Director-General of the EDF, forming what is now Cian.

In 1985, Cian expanded its scope to North Africa, Southern and Eastern Africa, and the Indian Ocean, becoming the Council of French Investors in Africa. In June 1999, while keeping its original acronym, it officially adopted the name Conseil Français des Investisseurs en Afrique, reflecting its global reach beyond French companies.

As a 1901 law association, Cian is the leading expert on private sector investment in Africa. It collaborates closely with key players in France’s export ecosystem in Africa, including Medef International, CNCCEF, Business France, and CCIFRANCE.