From July 2 to 4, 2026, Aix-en-Provence will host the 26th edition of its Economic Meetings, under the theme “Navigating a world without bearings.” More than 410 speakers from 55 countries — heads of state, leaders of international institutions, economists, business executives, and civil society representatives — will exchange views and analyses. The stated ambition: to rebuild a more equitable dialogue between the Global North and the Global South, at a time when geopolitical realignments are reshaping the place of emerging economies — particularly African ones — in the world order.
A global forum opening up further to the South
Unveiled on May 20 in Paris by its President Jean-Hervé Lorenzi, the program of the 26th Aix-en-Provence Economic Meetings confirms the rising stature of this gathering as one of the year’s major international economic forums. Following a 2025 edition that drew nearly 8,700 participants to the Parc Jourdan and generated 5.4 million online views, the event is aiming even higher in 2026, with more than 80 sessions, debates, and plenaries.
The chosen theme — “Navigating a world without bearings” — resonates strongly with the concerns of CEMAC-zone economies, which face the same turbulence: geopolitical tensions, commodity-price volatility, climate challenges, demographic pressure, and the demand for a just transition. “The world seems to have lost its bearings,” notes Jean-Hervé Lorenzi, who calls for “rebuilding shared horizons by fostering dialogue between North and South.”
Three structuring pillars, a deliberate coherence
The 2026 edition will be built around three interconnected pillars. First, North-South parity, established as the backbone of the program in order to examine persistent imbalances and lay the groundwork for a more balanced dialogue between established and emerging powers. Next, youth, whose expectations and vulnerabilities will be placed at the heart of the debates — a cardinal issue for the African continent, which will soon be home to half of the world’s young people. Finally, belief in progress, to reassess our collective capacity to innovate and to carry a positive vision of the future.
A strong international line-up
Among the announced speakers are Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly; Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie; Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO; Andre Correa Do Lago, President of COP 30; as well as leaders of major corporations such as Patrick Pouyanné (TotalEnergies), Alexandre Bompard (Carrefour), and Jean Castex (SNCF). A dense French and international presence, complemented by political voices including Renaud Muselier, President of the Sud Region — a partner of the event for the fourth consecutive year — and Marine Tondelier, National Secretary of the French Greens (Les Écologistes).
The Global Economic Dialogue: a platform for voices from the South
For African observers, one of the most anticipated highlights is the return of the Global Economic Dialogue, which will bring together more than 50 think tanks from five continents — from the Brookings Institution to the Center for Policy Research of India, including the Club of Madrid and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Six special sessions will address the issues redrawing global power dynamics: artificial intelligence and employment, the global security architecture, control of strategic resources, and the rise of middle powers and intermediate states — all matters that directly engage the future of CEMAC economies, which are at once suppliers of critical raw materials and arenas for strategic investment.
Youth that is listened to, not instrumentalized
Sponsored by Philippe Aghion, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics, 150 young people will take part in the Jeunesse(s) program through six agora sessions. Their starting point: a survey conducted by Elabe among 5,000 young people aged 15 to 29. The initiative is supported by a high-level scientific council (Étienne Klein, Françoise Benhamou, Jean Viard, Michel Wieviorka, Patrick Weil, and others) intent on making this generation an active stakeholder in the debate, rather than a passive audience.
An event that spills beyond the Parc Jourdan
From June 27 to July 4, the “OFF” program will bring Aix-en-Provence to life with exhibitions, “economic walks,” film debates, and theatrical performances — part of a clear ambition to open up economic discussion well beyond institutional circles.
Why this matters for CEMAC
At a time when Central Africa’s sub-region must simultaneously consolidate its public finances, diversify its oil-dependent economies, finance the energy transition, and integrate into global value chains, the Aix Meetings offer a valuable barometer of major global trends. The chosen theme — “Navigating a world without bearings” — may well serve as a shared compass between Brazzaville, Yaoundé, Libreville, N’Djamena, Malabo, Bangui… and the rest of the world.
The 26th Aix-en-Provence Economic Meetings will be held from July 2 to 4, 2026. Free admission, accreditations now open online.