Train, retain, and connect French-speaking AI talents

How can the Francophone world develop cutting-edge AI skills, prevent talent drain, and foster interregional collaboration?

This panel will explore best practices, educational initiatives, and partnerships that enable Francophone countries to become creators—rather than passive consumers—of AI technologies. To build autonomous and sovereign AI ecosystems, the Francophonie must train its own experts and create bridges across regions by offering attractive opportunities to its talent.

This final panel will focus on strategies to strengthen both human and technological capacities, ensuring that Francophone countries can design, develop, and master AI independently. It brings together leaders from academic institutions, civil society actors, digital entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss innovative training models and programs, the structuring role of incubators and accelerators, and strategies that promote international mobility and university-industry partnerships.

The panel will also examine the challenges of distance learning in Francophone contexts, the importance of developing curricula tailored to local realities, and the need to build sustainable ecosystems for research and innovation. Particular attention will be given to the training of women and youth in AI technologies, as well as to funding mechanisms and support for emerging talent.