Africa-France summit in June 2020 in Bordeaux, under the sign of the "sustainable city"

After summits devoted to security or terrorism, this edition entitled "Changing cities to change lives" is in line with Emmanuel Macron's speech in November 2017 in Ouagadougou, she told the press. .

The French president had then redesigned Paris' relationship with this continent, ensuring that there was "no more African policy for France".

"We want to talk about Africa through a prism other than terrorism in the Sahel or the security or migratory issue, by addressing economic, cultural, university or citizen partnerships," said the Elysee in July on the occasion of a "great debate" between Emmanuel Macron and some 400 people from the "African diasporas of France".

"It will be a summit of the concrete," assured Ms. Rivoal. "We are asking these heads of state to come with concrete commitments (...) for their cities and perhaps President Macron will also make commitments for French cities".

Many representatives of civil society and the private sector will be invited, "a world first", according to the ambassador, who also announced the arrival of 15.000 players in the sustainable city, without counting 500 companies, French and African or 2.000 journalists.

At the exhibition center, a "city of solutions" will be organized around seven themes: essential services (electricity, water, waste ...), transport, food, planning, connection and smart technologies, financing and "living in the city" (housing, culture, sports ...).

With the holding of China-Africa summits or next month in Sochi that of the first Russia-Africa, there is "traffic jam", recognized Ms. Rivoal, while stressing that France had "assets": with French-speaking countries in because of the historical ties, but also of the English-speaking countries "which seek to multiply the partners".

This Bordeaux summit, which should see the development of economic partnerships, will also be articulated with the launch of the "Africa2020" season, wanted by President Macron, a vast cultural event which will last until December 2020.

"Sometimes we have to turn the page," said Patrick Bobet, president of Bordeaux Métropole, the only veiled allusion to the slave trade past of this great port in the XNUMXth century.

On the occasion of this summit, a chair on African diasporas is created at the University of Bordeaux-Montaigne.