By Dennis Katungi
The French Renaissance was the cultural, artistic and technological movement in France during the 16/17th Centuries. Notable developments during this period included the spread of humanism and the exploration of the ‘new world’.
Listening to Engineer turned diplomat, Jules-Armand Aniambossou, the French Ambassador to Uganda, it felt like France was seeking to re-brand its relationship with Uganda, and Africa, as its new world. His remarks sought to cast away the colonial and post-colonial ravages and build new relationships devoid of the bitter past.
We heard more of lets trade with you rather than dole out Aid to poor you. This kind of talk was music to the ears of Captains of Industry he hosted at the French Embassy Chateau in Nakasero on the evening of Wednesday 21st November 2019. The partnership championing this new business relationship is the most interesting. Elements in Uganda’s Private sector, our Embassy in Paris together with the French Embassy in Kampala have teamed up to spin the business works.
On Uganda’s business side, Stephen Kaboyo, Managing Director, Capital Partners led the initiative and on the French side, MEDEF International – the French Business Confederation will lead a high powered business delegation arriving in Uganda on Sunday 24th November. They will run business to business sessions with a mix of presentations from key players on the local investment scene culminating into a dinner with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe.
The French delegation will be headed by Mr Momar Nguer, Chairman of the Africa Committee of MEDEF and a member of the Executive Committee of Total. His delegation will entail top Executives of Airbus Helicopters, Credit Agricole Bank, Society Generale, Suez International, Laboratories Servier, Meridiam, Omexom, Thales Electronic systems, aeronautical, space, defense & security firms and a few more. The total number of corporate entities involved is 19.
Other firms are in transport, infrastructure, utilities, logistics, energy, minerals, ICT, insurance, banking & Tourism.
During the two day program, the French business leaders will interface with captains of industry in Uganda as well as Government Ministers, technocrats and the Private Sector Foundation.
The French Ambassador, Jules-Armand Aniambossou assured guests at his residence that the French Companies are already convinced of the great potential for investment opportunities in Uganda. He said they were seeking a win-win partnership to achieve long term partnerships that will lead to Uganda’s economic growth and transformation as advocated by President Museveni at every given opportunity.
He assured his A-list business guests that there is already a great deal of confidence-building fostered by the engagements of the French Embassy, Private sector players and Uganda’s Embassy in Paris. Among the listed activities will be bilateral and multilateral financial institutions (World Bank, Africa Development Bank, EU Delegation, EA Development Bank, AFD) among others.
The delegation will also interact with Ministers of Finance, Tourism, Agriculture, Lands, Kampala, Works & Transport, Health as well as the Attorney General and Governor Bank of Uganda.
France’s ambassador, Jules-Armand Aniambossou has spent only three months in Uganda but already has a sound grasp of Uganda’s Tourism sector and regaled us on his exploits in the National Parks of Uganda. He said that his favorite spot is at Lake Bunyonyi in Western Uganda, joking that he has not dived into the deepest waters but has had serene relaxation by the Lake.
The Ambassador is an acquaintance of President Emmanuel Macron of France having shared a desk with him at the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’Administration, founded by Charles de Gaulle in 1945.
Born in Cotonou (Benin) he emigrated to France aged 3.
He is a business and political personality with extensive experience in corporate finance institutions in France and Africa. He is a member of the Presidential Council for Africa.
In the traditional French style, the Ambassador served his guests with Smoked Salmon Mousse, Grilled Beef Filet served on cucumber Tartar, Lemon Salad, Honey Sauce, Beetroot Oil and Micro Herbs. Dessert was Baked Mango Meringue with Orange Liquor.
There are great expectations on both sides that the two-day business summit in Kampala will kick start a new era of Anglophone Uganda’s relationship with France.
Dennis Katungi is Director, Communications & Media Relations – Uganda Media Centre @Dennis_Katungi