French Cultural, Languages and Telecommunications Policy Towards Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of French cultural, languages and telecommunications policy towards Africa since the end of the cold war. It identifies some of the challenges that francophonie has faced in the global era and assesses the extent to which changes in policy have responded to these challenges. It concludes that policy changes have been largely driven by external factors, such as the need to combat Anglo-American cultural hegemony, while continuities are primarily attributable to France's historical affinities with Africa, its conception of its place in the world and its understanding of the role of the state.