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French expertise: a driver for global solidarity investment

News
Energy access Minigrids & Nanogrids Decarbonization Renewable energies Renewables integration Resilient grid
At Jul 09 2025

🇫🇷 What if French know-how were a key to fairer, more sustainable growth? From solar power in Africa to clean water in Asia, French companies are exporting skills worldwide. Let’s break down how it works.

💼 A global footprint, real solidarity

Every year, the AFD Group backs 1,250 new projects across nearly 160 countries. Behind these numbers are major players like EDF, Suez, Vinci and Saint-Gobain. They bring technical expertise to build power grids, solar plants or upgrade water and sanitation systems.

Why does this matter? Because these partnerships combine sustainable development with economic impact: €8 billion in economic spin-offs between 2020 and 2024, plus thousands of jobs for people in France.


🤝 Partnerships that build bridges 🌉

Far from being just business deals, these projects are based on a win-win approach. Partner countries gain proven technical solutions and essential infrastructure. In return, France strengthens its diplomatic and economic ties.

💧 Water, 🚉 transport, ⚡ energy: French know-how adapts to local needs. It’s a practical way to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while creating new business opportunities.


🌟 Real-life examples

In West Africa, an off-grid solar mini-grid run by EDF brings electricity to remote villages. In Latin America, Suez modernises sanitation networks to help prevent waterborne diseases. In each case, French expertise acts as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

8
billion in economic benefits generated for France (2020–2024).

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