On 20 March 2024, Members of the Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests gathered in the premises of Parliament to celebrate “La Journée international de la Francophonie” under the theme “Create, innovate and undertake in French language”.

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Rt. Hon. Donatille Mukabalisa insisted on encouraging young people to innovate and said, “On this day of the celebration of the International Day of La Francophonie, we must still commit to encouraging young generations to take an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in in French language, to develop their spirit of initiative and to demonstrate of creativity.”

In a session of the discussion animated by the panellists including young entrepreneurs, Johnson Runuya, who owns a modern Baker shop, and Ntwari Yussuf who is in technology areas testified the success of their projects thanks to their knowledge of French. They called on other youth to pursue the opportunities to realise their dreams in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Rt. Hon. Kalinda Francois Xavier, President of the Senate stated, “We must encourage the use of French language in various contexts, whether cultural expression, technology, or business. The International Organization of La Francophonie must help promote local initiatives by supporting investments in local projects that encourage creativity and innovation such as startups, artistic projects, or social initiatives,”

The date of March 20 was chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the Cultural and Technical Cooperation Agency (ACCT) which was established on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger. This agency marks the first step towards French-speaking cooperation which will later become the International Organization of la Francophonie.