Over the past 15 years, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has made significant sustainable impacts in Nigeria, with investments totaling approximately N5.5 trillion (3.3 billion euros) across more than 57 projects. At their 15th anniversary celebration held at Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, AFD unveiled a renewed strategy for the next decade.
During the event, AFD’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Xavier Muron, highlighted the three key pillars of this renewed partnership: promoting low-carbon and resilient infrastructure, supporting youth employability and quality job development, and enhancing governance to promote social cohesion and human rights.”All of AFD’s future projects will be socially inclusive and aligned with the Paris Agreement,” stated Muron. “We will collaborate closely with other development partners to maximize our impact for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Muron expressed pride in the AFD team’s 15-year journey with Nigeria and conveyed excitement for continued collaboration in the coming years with renewed enthusiasm.The anniversary event was attended by notable figures including the Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Presidential Envoy on Climate Change & Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale; Acting French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Francois Hasperue; and Executive Director, AFD’s Global Clients Solutions, Laurent Biddiscombe.
Other distinguished guests included representatives from Lagos State Government, the National Council on Climate Change, the Bank of Industry, and more.
The ceremony featured discussions on Nigeria’s path to net zero emissions and the role of innovative climate solutions and skills development in enhancing employability and supporting Nigeria’s cultural industries.Acting French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Francois Hasperue, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s green industrial vision, particularly in climate action, sustainable development, and job creation.
“We aim to create more stable jobs for the new generations entering the workforce and support Nigeria’s emerging digital economy,” Hasperue said.Nigeria faces numerous climate challenges, including rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, erosion, and biodiversity loss.
These issues have exacerbated conflicts, such as farmer-herder clashes. Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Ajuri Ngelale, acknowledged the transformative impact of AFD’s collaboration with Nigerian institutions in addressing these challenges.Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, praised France’s support in critical areas such as climate action, the digital economy, creative industries, sports, and food security.
He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.Over the past 15 years, AFD’s financing has benefited 23 Nigerian states, providing permanent access to basic services and resilient infrastructure for 2.2 million people, improved access to drinking water for 1 million people, and the creation or support of 300,000 jobs. Additionally, AFD-funded projects save 500,000 tons of CO² emissions annually.
AFD’s activities have expanded significantly, particularly in the energy, urban mobility, and education sectors, with an increasing number of partners.
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