In a significant move to enhance regional cooperation, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) signed a partnership agreement in 2024 aimed at strengthening French language skills among twelve COMESA officers.

This partnership agreement aligns with the OIF’s strategic vision to bolster French language skills and promote multilingualism within international and regional organisations, thereby fostering better communication and more effective cooperation.

The comprehensive training program, co-financed by OIF and COMESA, has been designed by the Alliance Française of Lusaka and will be implemented in collaboration with both organisations. This initiative forms part of a broader joint effort by COMESA and OIF to promote multilingualism within international and regional contexts, with a particular focus on strengthening the use of French as a global language of communication.

During her visit to the COMESA headquarters and the Alliance Française of Lusaka from 15 – 17 January 2025, Ms. Mouna Ismael Abdou, Coordinator of the French Language, and International Language Project at the OIF, had the opportunity to observe the progress of the training program. She participated in a session, gaining valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness and impact on the participating officers.

Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to harness the benefits of multilingualism, including increased regional integration, improved communication, and enhanced cooperation among member states.

As the training program progresses, it is expected to yield positive outcomes, not only for the participating COMESA officers but also for the entire region.