1. A Collective Vision Turns Concrete
In response, the French government launched a tangible solution. The Afrique France Entrepreneur Community was officially established in March 2022, backed by the French Embassy in the Republic of the Congo and coordinated by Bpifrance.
2. A Platform to Connect, Structure, and Fund Projects
The community was designed to foster business connections and sustainable partnerships, bringing together startups, SMEs, institutions, investors, and experts from across the Francophone business landscape.
It stands on three strategic pillars:
- A digital matchmaking platform, hosted by EuroQuity and operated by Bpifrance — with over 3,000 members, including 1,600 investors and 170 support networks across 22 African countries;
- Thematic networking events focusing on high-potential sectors like agriculture, climate, tech, inclusive finance, and healthcare;
- A mentorship program, encouraging cross-border expertise exchange between France and Francophone Africa.
Ambition: Enable 1,000 business connections within the next 18 months.
3. Official Launch at REF Francophone 2025 – Brazzaville
The second day of the Francophone Entrepreneurs Forum (REF 2025) in Brazzaville marked the public launch of this vibrant new community.
From public authorities to private sector leaders, every voice in the room echoed the same need: a structured, trustworthy space to accelerate collaboration.
“This is not about creating yet another showcase. It’s about giving local entrepreneurs the means to structure, fund, and anchor their projects for long-term growth.”
4. Five Key Challenges, Five Targeted Responses
Insights shared during the Brazzaville launch helped highlight five recurring challenges faced by African entrepreneurs — and the tailored solutions provided by the community:
| Challenge | Community Response |
| Weak project structuring | Training, mentoring, export-readiness support |
| Difficult access to financing | Increased visibility via EuroQuity & partner networks |
| Trust gap between local and foreign stakeholders | A bilateral space for cooperation and transparency |
| Entrepreneurial isolation | Local hubs like the Saint-Rombo Business Circle |
| Limited focus on sustainability | Education & support for ESG and inclusive practices |
5. Why This Community Matters — Right Now
As a bilingual outsourced CFO supporting cross-border businesses, I believe this initiative comes at a strategic moment for the Francophone economic ecosystem:
- It formalizes trust in an often informal business environment;
- It elevates local capacities to meet international standards;
- And it brings together funding, knowledge, and networks into one actionable space.
6. How to Join the Community
🔗 You can access or inquire about the Afrique France Entrepreneur Community via:
- EuroQuity platform
- The French Embassy in the Republic of the Congo
- Sector-specific events hosted by Bpifrance and local partners
Final Word
A new chapter is opening for those who wish to start, expand, invest, or collaborate differently across France and Francophone Africa.
Believe in business.
Don’t fear entrepreneurship — or Africa.
Do it together.
That’s the spirit of this community.
A bridge has been laid.
Now let’s make it come alive.