The French-speaking world: meeting economic and digital challenges to ensure its continued dynamism

In addition to its cultural influence, the French-speaking world boasts immense economic potential thanks to 
a number of assets, including the zone’s demographic and economic dynamism (average growth rate of 7%), 
the potential offered by digital technology, the growth of trade within the zone and the assets of its young people. 
The use of a common language, the fifth most widely-spoken official language in the world, and similar legal standards (continental law) encourage the growth of economic activity within the French-speaking world. While there are many assets, there are still major challenges to overcome, such as competition with other languages, the attraction of the Commonwealth, etc. The fragmented French-speaking world faces a wide variety of economic, social, environmental and political situations, as well as a complex geopolitical context for French-speaking communities, particularly in Africa.