Economic opportunities and business development in Africa
Break away from clichés
On 2 July 2025, Alexander Hughes and CIAN invited their guests to Paris for a breakfast conference to take a practical look at the opportunities and challenges facing the African continent today.
Moving beyond preconceived ideas: clear-eyed perspectives on Africa”
From the very first exchanges, the journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Afrique Magazine sets aside conventional rhetoric to open a conversation rooted in lived experience.
«We’re not here to simplify Africa, but to listen to those who live it’, he says from the outset. This approach echoes the history of Alexander Hughes and its local roots with AfricSearch on the continent, as Maurice Rozet recalled in his introduction to the conference..
Founder of the Alexander Hughes firm, Maurice Rozet reflects on the milestones laid since 1991, with the firm now present in 10 African countries. “Africa has always been one of our main priorities,” he asserts, emphasizing a long-term commitment to helping companies find local, international, and also African diaspora talent.
A round table bringing together different perspectives and experiences
Breaking down clichés, opening up debate. From the outset, the speakers challenged preconceived ideas about Africa. Africa is neither poor, nor condemned, nor homogenous”, said Étienne Giros, President of CIAN (Conseil français des Investisseurs en Afrique). It’s a call to move away from simplistic rhetoric and adopt a more realistic vision, rooted in the facts.
Young people and women on the front line. For Elisabeth Moreno, Chairman of the Board of Ring Capital and former minister, change is already underway, driven by bold young people and women who are taking their place without waiting to be given it. She cites concrete examples of local initiatives in sometimes unexpected sectors. And there’s a striking figure: One in four women entrepreneurs in the world is African”.
“An Africa that produces and innovates.” Lionel Zinsou, Investment Banker, Co-Founder of Southbridge, and former Prime Minister of Benin, challenges another common misconception: that of a continent lagging behind. “There is an industrial Africa. We just don’t see it enough,” he insists. Far from preconceived notions, he defends an Africa that transforms, creates, and moves forward.
A strategic challenge for Europe. For Florian Witt, Divisional Head of International Banking & Corporate Banking at ODDO BHF, Africa is a strategic priority. If we don’t take an interest today, we’ll be giving ground to other powers. Diasporas, ESG criteria, demographic transition… these are all levers that need to be activated to build solid, sustainable partnerships.
In closing, several testimonies highlighted very concrete challenges: access to financing, local entrepreneurship, and the need to build a climate of trust. These contributions serve as a clear reminder: the solutions exist, and it is the local actors who are driving them.”
And now ? A conclusion—yes. But also an invitation to move forward.
Patrick Placktor, Managing Partner Africa Desk Alexander Hughes, expressed how lucky we all were to take part in such an event with prestigious, inspiring and committed speakers and high-level, curious and open-minded guests. “This event undoubtedly opens new doors and builds a bridge between Afro-pessimists and Afro-optimists. The path lies somewhere between the two visions”.
Julien Rozet, Group CEO, closed the event with an optimistic message: “Understanding Africa is not an option. It’s a necessity. And what we’ve started here is just the beginning”.
