OIF Executive Committee Convenes in Kigali Ahead of 46th Ministerial Conference

The Executive Committee of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) convened in Kigali on Tuesday for its 132nd session, a high-level gathering chaired by the OIF Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo, who is also a former Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting came just a day before Rwanda hosts the 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference, scheduled from November 19 to 20, marking yet another major diplomatic event for a country that has become increasingly central to the Francophonie’s global agenda.

Reviewing Progress and Setting New Priorities

Delegates in Kigali focused on assessing how far member states have gone in implementing the resolutions adopted during the previous committee meeting. Discussions also examined emerging geopolitical, technological, and cultural issues that are expected to shape the Francophonie’s multi-year strategic plan.

The Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF), which convened on Tuesday, is among the most influential organs of the OIF. It brings together ambassadors, permanent representatives, and high-ranking officials from the 93 member and observer states. Its core mandate includes monitoring programme implementation, maintaining political dialogue within the Francophonie space, and preparing major sessions such as the Ministerial Conference and the Summit of Heads of State.

Hosting the CPF session is highly symbolic for Rwanda. It reinforces the confidence the Francophonie places in Kigali’s ability to steer discussions on linguistic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and inclusive development.

In recent years, Rwanda has positioned itself as a bridge between Anglophone and Francophone worlds promoting multilingualism while investing heavily in education, digital transformation, and cultural industries. Kigali has previously hosted key Francophonie events, including the 2022 OIF Summit, which widely showcased Rwanda’s logistical capabilities and diplomatic commitment.

Bringing the committee meeting to Kigali, away from the traditional administrative hub of Paris, gave member states an opportunity to experience firsthand how Rwanda integrates French-language promotion into its broader national development strategy.

Preparing Ground for the Ministerial Conference

Tuesday’s meeting also laid the technical and political foundation for the 46th Ministerial Conference, a gathering expected to focus on:Strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation across member states

Expanding digital innovation and improving access to technology

Promoting the Francophonie’s youth agenda, especially entrepreneurship and skills development

Enhancing women’s participation in governance, peacebuilding, and socioeconomic transformation

Supporting creative industries and cultural exchange

This year’s conference also aligns with a major milestone the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration on Women’s Rights and Development. The theme, “Thirty Years After Beijing: The Role of Women in the Francophonie,” reflects the organization’s renewed focus on gender equality and women’s leadership in political, economic, and cultural spaces.

The Francophonie in Numbers

The Francophonie currently comprises 93 countries and governments, including:

56 full members

5 associate members

32 observers

Worldwide, an estimated 321 million people speak French, making it one of the most widely spoken international languages.

Rwanda’s Longstanding Membership

Rwanda is marking 55 years as a member of the OIF, having joined in 1970 when the organization was first established. Over the decades, the country has maintained active engagement in the Francophonie, contributing to debates on peacebuilding, cultural exchange, education, and governance.

As Kigali plays host to yet another prominent Francophonie gathering, the event underscores the nation’s evolving diplomatic stature and its role as a regional hub for international dialogue.