At the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) held in Yaoundé, former Ivorian Prime Minister Patrick Achi called for a new approach to Francophone parliamentary diplomacy, with a stronger focus on economic cooperation and development.

In his address, Patrick Achi highlighted the major global transformations reshaping the world, including geopolitical shifts, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the growing strategic importance of energy, technology, financing, and value chains.

According to him, these changes require Francophone parliamentary diplomacy to evolve beyond political dialogue and become a stronger driver of economic opportunities.

“It can no longer be only political. It must become much more economic,” he stated, emphasizing the need to promote not only the exchange of ideas but also the movement of investments, skills, innovation, and expertise.

Patrick Achi called for closer connections between parliaments, businesses, universities, researchers, and talents in order to make the Francophone space a platform for growth, opportunities, and job creation, particularly in Africa.

He also welcomed Côte d’Ivoire’s accession to a Vice-Presidency position within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie, describing it as a new responsibility to advance a Francophonie that does not merely adapt to global transformations but actively contributes to shaping them.

For Patrick Achi, increasing the contribution of the Francophone community to the prosperity of nations is also a way to strengthen their sovereignty in an increasingly competitive global environment.