Christophe Lecourtier Appointed as Head of French Development Agency
In a significant development for French diplomacy and international development efforts, Christophe Lecourtier, who currently serves as France's ambassador to Morocco, has been appointed to lead the French Development Agency (AFD) as of March 10. This decision, reported by Le Monde, comes with the backing of the French executive branch, although it awaits approval from the French parliament. The AFD is recognized as a pivotal tool for France's international influence, focusing on fostering sustainable development and economic growth in various regions around the world.
President Emmanuel Macron has selected Lecourtier to succeed Rémy Rioux, who has held the directorship since 2016 and is set to conclude his term on May 3. Before Lecourtier's appointment can be fully realized, it must pass through the National Assembly and the Senate, and he must also obtain a favorable review from the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life, as confirmed by a statement from the Élysée Palace.
At 63 years old, Lecourtier is a graduate of the prestigious École nationale d’administration (ENA). His extensive career in public service includes advising notable ministers such as Nicolas Sarkozy and Christine Lagarde during their tenures at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Furthermore, he has played a crucial role in promoting the international expansion of French businesses, first as the head of Ubifrance and subsequently as the director of Business France, which was formed by merging Ubifrance with the French Agency for International Investments. Since December 2022, he has represented France in Morocco, enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
