Envoy: France, Nigeria’s Partner in Talent Development, Transfer of Competencies

Oluchi Chibuzor

French ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, has said his country remains a partner with Nigeria in talent development and transfer of competence as they play on equal footing with everybody in the country.

This is coming as the French Embassy in Nigeria announced the launch of the second edition of the LAGOS x PARIS Accelerator Programme, dedicated to supporting the growth of Nigerian fashion and design entrepreneurs and businesses both locally and internationally.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos recently, the French Ambassador said his country is dedicated to supporting the growth of Nigerian fashion and design entrepreneurs and businesses both locally and internationally.

He noted that as a country they are playing on equal footing with everybody in a very free manner.
According to him, “There is no doubt the look of France and Nigeria is particular at least for two things. The first one is, we are not here in a country where we used to be the former colonial power.

“So, we play here on equal footing with everybody in a very free manner. No historical legacy that can be cumbersome. And number two, we have a French President who has a very special look at Nigeria.

“He has a Nigerian history; has been spending some time here when he was young, when he was a student.

“And his early experience with Nigeria has been extremely important to him. I think it shaped his view about how to afford the African continent nowadays for France.

“So, I would say that this programme we have set up already It’s the second year. It’s exactly, you see, in the framework of this new look at the continent for France. So, when I say we think about the people of Nigeria, it is absolutely the truth.”

Fonbaustier added that they want the country to be successful as both countries can leverage their potential to support each other.

He said: “We wish to be a fair partner for the talents of this country. And I think this sector, which is fashion, design, is absolutely key in that approach. For two reasons; one is it matches perfectly, France is, as you know, a well-known country for that sector and Nigeria is full of talent, energy in that sector.

“So, it matches very well and number two, it is the crossroad of art, creation and economy business. So, employment, taking of industry, transfer of competencies, reinforcement of capabilities, of know-how are really key. That’s what we have in mind when we do this Lagos x Paris programme.”

For the French Embassy in Nigeria, LAGOS x PARIS Accelerator Programme will help selected brands sharpen their business strategies, refine brand positioning, enhance commercial tools, and strengthen overall business structure.

However, through the platform, the French Embassy also said it aims to celebrate Nigerian creativity and initiatives centered on cultural preservation, sustainable practices, and cross-cultural collaborations.

“The LAGOS x PARIS Accelerator Programme which is part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative called “Création Africa,” seeks to equip creatives with the tools and skills needed to achieve sustainable, incremental, and long-lasting financial growth for their businesses.

“These grants have allowed the brands from the first cohort to create new collections, train their teams, invest in marketing, improve their ecommerce platforms, and establish new studio spaces,” the Embassy stated.

Key programme features include an initial in-depth audit of each brand, up to 70 hours of personalized one-on-one mentorship, comprehensive training to prepare for investor pitches, opportunities to showcase products in Paris, and grants of up to 32 million Naira.

The 10 new brands selected for the 2024 to 2025 cohort from a pool of 100 applications by a professional jury – including Nifemi Marcus-Bello, Reni Folawiyo, Jean-Marc Chauve, and programme experts—are ready-to-wear brand Babayo, Y’Wandelag, Pepper Row, PITH, NYA, HUE by Idera, Aminda, shoe brand Shem Paronelli, bags brand AABOUX, and jewelry brand Refine.