Erik Orsenna, French novelist and member of the Académie Française, sponsors IPDEV’s fundraising

More than twenty years ago, and with Eric Fottorino and Christophe Guillemin, we wrote a book called “Need of Africa” (*). There was no lack of pitying smiles and sneers. We were treated, at best, as “good people”.

Today the situation has changed. The continent to our south is growing fast. It has a very long way to go, but it is showing us the way, in terms of growth. A growth which is our chance too. There is so much to build together.

And a new generation of Africans has appeared: entrepreneurs, true entrepreneurs.

The new generation has energy to spare, often the skills and ambition to get rich (why not?) but also the desire to pull his family, his neighborhood, his region, out of poverty.

This growth and these entrepreneurs need funding. Substantial funding, of course, but also relevant funding. This is the mission of Investors and Partners. That is why I have decided to join.

More than ever, I believe in Africa. More than ever I believe that our destinies are linked.

Yes, Africa is on track. We must accompany its movement forward. It may well be that, there, we find the strength to revive our old Europe.

Erik ORSENNA, French novelist and member of the Académie Française

Eric Fottorino is a novelist and a journalist for the daily newspaper Le Monde. Christophe Guillemin is an economist and former director for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

(*) Published in 1992 by Fayard.