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Tag: France

  • Embassy of France committed to football development in Nigeria

    Embassy of France committed to football development in Nigeria

    The Embassy of France in Nigeria has restated its commitment to the development of youth football in Nigeria with the successful hosting of U15 tournament in Makurdi.

    After the tournament, players from Simoiben FC who finished third at the tournament, which was done in collaboration with Moses Simon Foundation and the Benue State Football Association, were hosted by the embassy in Abuja.

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    The players were received by the Attached Cooperation and in particular Katty Regis, who addressed the players on the need to stay disciplined, focused if they want to reach the peak of career using their God given talents.

    In a statement on their social media handle, the Embassy said they believe in sports to open doors, build confidence and create opportunities for all.

    They said their commitment goes beyond the football field as they support youth, education and inclusion through sport as a tool for empowerment in Nigeria, while also thanking Moses Simon Foundation for investing in youth and inclusion through sports.v

  • France launches ‘bilingual and competitive’ project to boost employability

    France launches ‘bilingual and competitive’ project to boost employability

    The Embassy of France in Nigeria has unveiled the FEF “Bilingual and Competitive” Project, a two-year initiative designed to enhance the employability, global mobility, and professional readiness of Nigerian graduates through advanced French language education.

    Launched in Abuja on November 20, 2025, the project is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy Fund (FEF).

    According to the Embassy, the programme was conceived after a nationwide survey involving universities, students, educators, and private-sector stakeholders, which confirmed the strategic relevance of French proficiency for the Nigerian labour market.

    Officials noted that the initiative will combine high-level language training with career-focused academic programmes.

    A central component is the development of a Master’s programme in French for Specific Purposes, designed to integrate French language learning with key professional sectors such as business, diplomacy, healthcare, science, and technology.

    This, they said, will equip Nigerian graduates with skills that directly enhance their competitiveness in both local and global job markets.

    The project will also see the establishment of French Resource and Employability Centres in selected universities across the country.

    These centres will offer access to digital learning tools, modern teaching materials, workshops, and structured teacher-training programmes aimed at improving both teaching quality and student proficiency.

    Speaking on the significance of the initiative, an embassy representative stated: “Our goal is to empower Nigerian youth with bilingual skills that open doors. French is not just a language—it is an economic asset that expands career opportunities across borders.”

    Advocacy for bilingualism will form a key pillar of the project, with efforts focused on promoting French as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and stronger academic–industry partnerships.

    The GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones), comprising 33 francophone embassies in Nigeria, expressed unified support for the programme through its president, the Ambassador of Tunisia.

    The group described the initiative as a major step toward deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the global Francophone community while supporting young Nigerians in unlocking new opportunities.

    The first cohort of beneficiary institutions has also been announced. Twelve universities under the “Gold Level” category—including the University of Abuja, Rivers State University, Kaduna State University, the University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, and Obafemi Awolowo University—will receive full-scale support to develop French Resource Centres.

    Meanwhile, nine “Silver Level” universities such as the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Port Harcourt, and University of Calabar will receive targeted assistance to strengthen their French departments and student clubs.

    According to the Embassy, the expected outcomes of the project include improved teaching methodologies, increased acquisition of internationally recognised French certifications, wider adoption of French in academic and professional contexts, and ultimately, a contribution to reducing youth unemployment and brain drain.

    The launch reinforces France’s long-standing commitment to supporting education, innovation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria, aiming to nurture a bilingual generation equipped to compete and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

  • France, Nigeria strengthen economic ties

    France, Nigeria strengthen economic ties

    France has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, as Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) celebrated its 40th anniversary of promoting bilateral trade and investment between France and Nigeria.

    Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, hailed the partnership between both countries, describing Nigeria as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Favier said the trade between France and Nigeria represented 20 per cent of France’s trade with the region, with over 600 French businesses in Nigeria and creating over 16,000 direct jobs.

    “French businesses have found Nigeria not only a formidable market, but also an innovation hub with huge potential,” he said.

    He praised Nigeria for the economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and encouraging foreign investment.

    The consul general highlighted major French investments in Nigeria, including TotalEnergies’ plan to invest $6 billion in the energy sector, Danone/Fanmilk’s expansion in Oyo State, Schneider Electric’s new office facility, and SPIE Global Services Energy’s training centre in Port Harcourt.

    Favier also acknowledged Nigerian companies such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank and UBA for establishing operations in France, reinforcing bilateral trade.

    He pointed to development support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Proparco, citing the recent Omi Eko water transport project inaugurated in Lagos.

    “We just witnessed perfect case with the inauguration of ‘omi eko’ sustainable water transport project that was funded by AFD , EU and EIB and inaugurated in the presence of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.

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    “The French government remains committed to strengthening this partnership between our two nations. We will continue to invest in initiative that promotes sustainable development, technology transfer and economic growth, thereby creating jobs and fostering inclusive prosperity,” he said.

    President of the FNCCI, Guillaume Niarfeix, described the chamber as the most active bilateral trade body in Nigeria, boasting over 500 member-companies and strong backing from French institutions, including Business France, AFD, Proparco, French Tech, and the Embassy.

    Dignitaries present at conference were Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier; President France-Nigeria Chamber of commerce and industry;

    Director Business France/Commercial Counsellor French Embassy, Maxime Bieliaeff; Regional Director PROPARCO,Xavier Echasseriau; Economic Counsellor,French Embassy Lagos , Laura Marie; Director General, France-Nigeria Chamber of commerce and Industry,Moses Imoru; Economic Officer-Regional Economic Department, Claire Lavielle.

  • Fed Govt, EU, France sign €10.2m pact to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing

    Fed Govt, EU, France sign €10.2m pact to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing

    The Federal Government has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) and France under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative.

    Th agreement is meant to advance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen local health systems.

    With a total investment of €10.2 million (including €10 million from the EU and €200,000 co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), the 44-month project (2025-2028) will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), and other local partners.

    The project, which is named Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), aims to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by expanding the local production of quality-assured medicines, improving access to essential health technologies, and promoting research-based innovation.

    The project is also expected to reinforce NIPRD as a regional reference centre for critical activities, such as bioequivalence, stability studies, and quality control, fostering regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony at the just-concluded Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised the importance of this collaboration.

    The envoy described it as proof of the enduring partnership between the EU, France, and Nigerian and West African stakeholders.

    He stressed the need to build robust, resilient, and efficient health and social welfare systems to ensure prosperity for all.

    Mignot said: “Let’s combine the strength of our EU-Nigeria official partnership, EU-ECOWAS official partnership, with the dynamism of our companies on both sides to achieve a common goal: making Nigeria healthcare life-saving and sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians, creating jobs and opportunities.”

    The envoy said he wished to expand this vision across the rest of West Africa and the continent.

    France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, underscored France’s commitment to the partnership through the Global Health Strategy.

    Noting that the principles guiding this strategy are equity, solidarity, and human dignity, he expressed pride in France’s contributions, stating the shared values and commitment to enhancing health systems and empowering communities.

    He said: “I am very proud that France, through the French Development Agency, is truly contributing to the implementation of the Qualimeds Nigeria project, as part of the Team Europe initiative. It truly reflects our shared values and collective commitment to strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and empowering communities through improved access to essential products and services.”

    The Director General/CEO of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthening local health systems.

    “We want to ensure that our people not only get the highest level of access to healthcare, but also catalyse socioeconomic development, job creation, capacity building, technology transfer, and revenue generation,” he said.

    Through laboratory modernisation, technology transfer, and workforce training, the project is expected to boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote gender equity in biomanufacturing and research.

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    The expected outcomes of the initiative include upgraded NIPRD laboratories meeting international standards, increased Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, stronger clinical research networks, and better integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation and production systems.

    Also, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, emphasised PVAC’s efforts to position healthcare as a driver of economic growth and industrialisation, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to affordable, quality healthcare.

    He said: “Today, we are signing new commitments, including those under the MAV+ initiative, to expand vaccine and health product manufacturing. The end goal is that every Nigerian, regardless of status or location, can access affordable, quality healthcare.

    “Knowing that we cannot do this alone, we fully recognise the importance of this day. The EU, its Member States, and other development partners have been steadfast partners in this journey, supporting healthcare optimisation in Nigeria.”

    This partnership reaffirms the joint commitment of the EU and France to improving health security, supporting local manufacturing, and driving sustainable growth within Nigeria’s health sector.

    Through cooperation, investment and initiative such as MAV+, all three signatories have demonstrated their dedication to building a resilient and prosperous health sector in Nigeria and the wider region.

  • France, Nigeria strengthen collaboration in animation sector

    France, Nigeria strengthen collaboration in animation sector

    In the first half of 2025, the French Embassy, in partnership with several animation studios, implemented a series of technical workshops aimed at strengthening the skills of Nigerian creatives all over the country.

    Since 2022, the French Embassy in Nigeria has actively supported Nigerian animation professionals in participating in major international events such as the MIFA (International Animation Film Market) in Annecy or MIP Junior in Cannes.

    This sustained engagement has significantly contributed to the success of several international collaborative projects.

    However, the embassy has noted that continued support, particularly in training and capacity building, remains essential.

    This dynamic support continues to evolve in 2025, with the organisation of new workshops throughout the year.

    Just back from a two-month stop motion immersion and internship in Rennes, France;

    Nigerian artist, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, completed a two-month internship at JPL Films, a stop motion production studio. During this residency, she contributed to the creation of sets and puppets for the French feature film, Seraphine. Under the mentorship of experienced French professionals, she developed valuable new skills that she will now apply to the production of her own short film and a series currently in development. In addition, Gbadamosi is planning to launch awareness and training workshops dedicated to stop motion animation in Nigeria.

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    Furthermore, as part of the Franco-Nigerian co-production of the animated feature film, The Passport of Mallam Ilia, between Magic Carpet and the French producer, IFind Pictures, currently in production in Nigeria; the French Embassy launched two major training initiatives.

    The first benefited two Nigerian animators from Magic Carpet Studio, Duru Joseph Azubuike and Chekwube Emmanuel Okonkwo, who participated in an immersive training at Sharly Dubbing, a French post-production studio in Paris.

    Over the course of two weeks, the participants received expert guidance on advanced post-production techniques including editing and color grading for animated films.

    The second initiative involved a Nigerian student in his final year at Gobelins, the renowned animation school in Paris, who joined the Magic Carpet production team in Nigeria. For six weeks, he contributed his expertise and technical skills to the ongoing work on The Passport of Mallam Ilia.

    For the fourth consecutive year, the French Embassy, in partnership with the association Animation Nigeria, supported about 25 Nigerian animation studios at the MIFA in Annecy. Five of these studios presented their projects during a “pitch” session attended by over 80 international professionals.

    To ensure effective presentations, the Embassy organised a week-long pitch training workshop in Lagos, led by a team of three French and Nigerian experts, a month prior to the event. In addition to the pitch session, numerous professional meetings took place at the Nigerian pavilion, present at MIFA for the fourth year in a row with the Embassy’s support.

    To date, two co-production agreements for short films have been signed between Nigerian studios, Magic Carpet and Guereza, and French producers Ifind Pictures and QWest Medias.

    In 2025, two new co-production agreements for feature films have been finalised, one of them during MIFA in Annecy. While the details of one project will be announced soon, the second, The Passport of Mallam Ilia, has officially entered production.

    The connections and networking opportunities established through Nigeria’s growing presence at MIFA and events like MIPJunior and MIPCOM in Cannes (2023 and 2024) have played a vital role in making these partnerships a reality.

  • UK, France, 23 other nations condemn Israel over ‘inhumane killing’ of civilians

    UK, France, 23 other nations condemn Israel over ‘inhumane killing’ of civilians

    A group of 25 Western countries, including Britain, France, and Canada, said yesterday Israel must immediately end its war in Gaza and criticised what they called the “inhumane killing” of Palestinians, including hundreds near food distribution sites.

    The countries in a joint statement condemned what they called the “drip feeding of aid” to Palestinians in Gaza and said it was “horrifying” that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid.

    The majority of those killed were in the vicinity of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites, which the United States and Israel backed to take over aid distribution in Gaza from a network led by the United Nations.

    “The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” the countries’ foreign ministers said in a joint statement. “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.”

    Israel’s foreign ministry said the statement was “disconnected from reality” and it would send the wrong message to Hamas.

    “The statement fails to focus the pressure on Hamas and fails to recognise Hamas’s role and responsibility for the situation,” the Israeli statement said.

    Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of the war that began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, with the latest deaths reported  yesterday as Israel began a new incursion in central Gaza.

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    The call by about 20 European countries as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand for an end to the war in Gaza and the delivery of aid comes from many countries which are allied with Israel and its most important backer, the United States.

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing the U.N.-led system that Israel alleges has let Hamas-led militants loot aid shipments intended for civilians. Hamas denies the accusation.

    The U.N. has called the GHF’s model unsafe and a breach of humanitarian impartiality standards, which the GHF denies.

    The countries behind the statement said Israel was denying essential humanitarian assistance and called on the country to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

    They urged Israel to immediately lift restrictions to allow the flow of aid and to enable humanitarian organisations and the United Nations to operate safely and effectively.

    They added they were “prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace” for Israelis and Palestinians.

  • UEFA Nations League semi-final: Things to know as Spain takes on France

    UEFA Nations League semi-final: Things to know as Spain takes on France

    Germany is the stage tonight as Spain gears up for a thrilling semi-final showdown against France in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. 

    The MHP Arena in Stuttgart will host what promises to be an intense battle as both powerhouses vie for a spot in the tournament final against Portugal. 

    With recent history on the line, both Spain and France have triumphed in the last two editions of the competition—expect nothing less than a fierce contest between two of Europe’s elite sides, each determined to continue their quest for glory.

    Les Bleus lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021, while La Roja struck back by securing the championship in the following edition.

    Current form

    Spain have been dazzling throughout this campaign, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak of eight matches, which includes five wins and three draws. Key victories against Denmark, Switzerland, and Serbia propelled Luis de la Fuente’s squad to the top of their group with a commanding 16 points.

    Following their dominant group stage performance, the reigning 2024 European Champions faced a tough test in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. After an electrifying two-legged tie that ended 5-5 on aggregate, Spain’s journey came to an end in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

    France, meanwhile, have played eight matches but have experienced a few bumps along the way. Under Didier Deschamps, they amassed 13 points through four wins, one draw, and a single loss in a challenging group featuring Italy, Belgium, and Israel. Their path led them to a gripping quarter-final encounter with Croatia.

    The quarter-final duel proved to be a classic, with both sides claiming 2-0 home victories over the two legs. Ultimately, France triumphed in the penalty shootout, edging Croatia 5-4 and booking their place in the semi-finals.

    Rivalry reignited

    France and Spain prepare to reignite one of European football’s most captivating rivalries, a matchup steeped in history and memorable encounters. While Spain hold a slight advantage overall with 17 wins to France’s 13, the French have often been the stronger force when it matters most—claiming six victories to Spain’s three in competitive fixtures.

    Their latest high-stakes meeting came at the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where Spain edged out France 2-1. Rapid-fire goals from teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo overturned an early strike by Randal Kolo Muani, sending La Roja through. Yet, it was France who triumphed three years earlier in the UEFA Nations League final, powered by decisive goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé.

    Stars to watch

    Spain’s lineup shines with emerging talent and youthful exuberance. Lamine Yamal, just 17, has taken the football world by storm following a sensational 2024–25 season at Barcelona, where he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists across all competitions. 

    Alongside Yamal, players like Nico Williams, Pedri González, and Pau Cubarsí form a dynamic core eager to make their mark on the international stage.

    France boast a formidable squad packed with experience and flair. Ousmane Dembélé stands out, coming off a career-best season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 33 goals and racked up 15 assists, helping his team secure a historic quadruple, including the Champions League title against Inter Milan. 

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    Alongside Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, William Saliba, and Jules Koundé provide the French with a potent mix of creativity, speed, and defensive solidity. Although Dembélé’s recent exertions raise questions about his availability tonight, his influence remains critical.

    Tactical battles

    Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, favor a 4-3-3 formation that blends meticulous ball control with sudden bursts of attacking intent. With wide attackers like Williams and Yamal stretching defenses and midfield maestros Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo orchestrating play, Spain aim to dominate possession while remaining lethal on the break.

    France typically set up in a 4-2-3-1, relying on swift counter-attacks to unleash the speed and creativity of Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, and Olise. 

    Their disciplined defensive unit, anchored by Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, has been remarkably resilient, conceding only eight goals and keeping three clean sheets in this Nations League campaign.

    Who will advance?

    With both sides brimming with talent and tactical acumen, tonight’s semi-final promises an enthralling contest. 

    Spain’s unbeaten run and recent victory over France give them a slight psychological advantage, but the resilience and firepower of the French team ensure this battle will be fiercely contested.

    Ultimately, the encounter could come down to moments of individual brilliance or tactical nuance, with Spain slightly favored to defend their chance at back-to-back UEFA Nations League finals.

  • France to ban outdoor smoking from July 1 

    France to ban outdoor smoking from July 1 

    Starting July 1, 2025, France will prohibit smoking in outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present. The new rule will apply to beaches, public parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports facilities. 

    Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the measure on Thursday, May 29, stating: “Tobacco must disappear where there are children. The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” she told Ouest-France. 

    The regulation aims to deter smoking near schools, which means students will no longer be allowed to smoke outside school gates. Violators could face fines of up to €135 ($154). 

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    The ban, however, will not extend to outdoor café terraces or the use of electronic cigarettes. 

    France already enforces smoking bans in indoor public spaces such as workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds. Anti-smoking advocates have long pushed for expanded restrictions. 

    According to the World Health Organization, 35% of France’s population smokes, significantly higher than the European average of 25% and the global average of 21%.

  • Lagos govt, France to collaborate across all sectors

    Lagos govt, France to collaborate across all sectors

    Lagos State will deepen collaboration with France across sectors, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.

    He disclosed this on his X handle after receiving the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier.

    “Today, I welcomed Marc Fonbaustier, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina,” the governor wrote.

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    He described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and strengthen ties.

    “This meeting allowed us to explore potential collaboration across various sectors. I also shared insights into our state’s development initiatives and the opportunities available.”

  • Lagos, France to collaborate across all sectors

    Lagos, France to collaborate across all sectors

    Lagos State will deepen collaboration with France across various sectors, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.

    Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on his X handle after receiving the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier.

    “Today, I welcomed Marc Fonbaustier, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina,” the governor wrote.

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    He described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and strengthen ties.

    “This meeting allowed us to explore potential collaboration across various sectors. I also shared insights into our state’s development initiatives and the opportunities available.”