Ancrages Forum: The AFD Group Supports Entrepreneurship in Africa

After the 2024 edition in Lille, Ancrages moved to Marseille, a city emblematic of Mediterranean exchanges and a key epicenter of African diasporas. The event brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and scientists—each with an inspiring journey—to showcase the diversity of success stories and encourage the boldness of a youth committed to Africa. Over 3,000 participants took part in a day rich in dialogue, fostering networking between African and French stakeholders.

This forum offers an ambitious program featuring five thematic workshops and almost 20 conferences led by more than 30 speakers, providing a space for storytelling, experience sharing, and discussions on entrepreneurship and innovation. The goal is to celebrate the unique journeys of exceptional women and men, while fostering the emergence of new projects and partnerships between France and Africa.

The Agence française de développement (AFD) Group is present at Ancrages to showcase its initiatives in support of entrepreneurship on the African continent, alongside other operators such as France Volontaires and Business France. This institutional support is part of a broader approach to economic and territorial diplomacy, aimed at supporting stakeholders committed to development and job creation.

After a first edition in Lille in 2024, which brought together over 2,500 participants and led to the launch of the “Maghreb Fund,” the Ancrages Forum reaffirmed its mission to unite a broad ecosystem of stakeholders and promote concrete initiatives that strengthen ties between France and Africa. The Marseille edition also hosted other major Africa-related events, such as the Europe-Africa Forum, Emerging Valley, and Cuisines Africaines, further establishing Marseille as a key platform for Euro-African exchange.