African Perspectives

The Africa2020 Season is an invitation to understand the world from an African perspective. Total Foundation is a proud patron of this unique event, set to take place across France from December 1, 2020 to mid-July 2021.

Speaking at the University of Ouagadougou in November 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Quite simply, I consider Africa to be the world’s central, global and key continent because it’s where all of today’s challenges intersect.” Following this statement came the bold decision to organize an unprecedented event in France to celebrate the vitality of Africa’s 54 sovereign states.

The Africa2020 Season will open on December 1 under the leadership of Head Curator N’Goné Fall. The far-reaching event will feature a multi-disciplinary, pan-African program that showcases the continent as seen through the eyes of the people who live there and who are shaping its future.

Africa2020 will give rise to hundreds of cultural, scientific, economic and sporting projects across France, highlighting the innovative and creative capacity of the African continent and its recent diaspora. The event was designed as a collective endeavor, so each project will be led by an African professional working in collaboration with a French peer, providing a unique opportunity to exchange views and share experiences. Pride of place will be given to young people, who are drivers of change in the fast-evolving continent.

Total has been active in Africa for over 90 years, operating today in more than 40 countries with 13,000 employees. The continent occupies a privileged place in the Group’s history and has made a key contribution to its development and cultural diversity. Becoming a patron of Africa2020 was a natural choice for Total Foundation, since the event’s ambition intersects with its own commitments to empowering young people, supporting regional vitality in its host communities, fostering dialogue and promoting a diverse and vibrant spectrum of cultures.