'Debates of the world Africa' [Event recap]

During the first edition of ‘Debates of the world Africa’ President of the Board of Le Monde, Louis Dreyfus emphasized on the need for individuals to participate in showcasing what is working in Africa.

"Our role is also to showcase what is working in Africa" Louis said.

In a conversation with Les Dépêches de Brazzaville, Louis Dreyfus stated the mission, vision of the event and also what differentiates ‘Debates of the world Africa’ from other Pan-African event.

Les Dépêches de Brazzaville: Why is Le Monde, an already established French media institution in its national territory involved in Africa?

Louis Dreyfus: We are convinced that, as in the case of what has made El Pais in expanding in South America, and what The Guardian has done in Australia and the United States , a transnational newspaper like Le Monde,has quite the means to build its development in areas wider than its national territory.

Finally, we believe that the growth that is happening in Africa at the moment deserves to be supported in order to convey a positive speech on what is happening in Africa.

LDB: These first Le Monde debates Africa organized in Abidjan, join the list of major forums which are increasing on the continent.

How do you distinguish yourselves from the rest and not end up repeating any the of major speeches without tangible impact?

Louis Dreyfus: We place great emphasis to the meetings and networking so that those coming to attend can leave with real contacts and what is not fair, in our opinion are speeches that have no effect on the economy as is the case of some events in parallel and we really believe creating connections between large companies and young entrepreneurs.

These are necessary points of meetings. Our role is also to highlight what works in Africa and this can give access to financing and better visibility of businesses because some will also appear in the columns of the journal.

This can encourage investors to accelerate their investment policy in Africa since the continent has very good prospects.

LDB: Coming from France, how were the thoughts concerning the contents of the panels built to avoid the risk of being in contradiction with the local social and economic realities?

Louis Dreyfus: We have been very vigilant about it. For that reason we have associated a local media, the Ivorian journal Fraternite Matin led by Venance Konan.

In addition, we have teams on the ground and a lot of African journalists with whom we have prepared this debate because, precisely the idea is not to bring the good news from France but rather to be listening to the local realities.

Remarks gathered by Meryll Mezath (Abidjan)