By Aisha DUWAI ALI
The Director General of MEDEF International, Philippe Gautier, called on September 25, 2026, in Paris for stronger economic ties between France and Chad.
Speaking at the opening of the Chad-France Business Forum, he recalled his first contacts with Chadian authorities two years ago during a visit of French companies to N’Djamena.
“Two years ago, Your Excellency, you received us in your office in N’Djamena,” he told Finance Minister Tahir Hamid Nguilin.
Gautier said France-Chad relations should focus on emerging sectors and new technologies.
“This shared vision should not be written in the ink of an old history that is gone. It should be based on innovative foundations and keep pace with the challenges of our time, such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and new technologies,” he said.
He called for joint ventures, youth involvement and risk-sharing.
“It must take the form of new forms of cooperation, through joint ventures, involving young people, and sharing risks between both parties,” he said.
On financing, he noted the presence of banks and financial partners at the forum.
“Risks can be shared when they pave the way for projects that create value and job opportunities,” he said.
He concluded: “If, after a few years, we can look back at this forum as the starting point for new alliances, new investments and new successes, we will be able to say that we did not just organize a forum, but opened a new page in our common history.”
