Paris – After seven years at the helm of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo is seeking a third term, entering a competitive race that will shape the future direction of one of the world’s largest international organizations. The Rwandan diplomat, who assumed office in January 2019, will face challengers including Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coumba Ba of Mauritania, and Dacian Cioloș of Romania in elections scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2026.
Mushikiwabo’s decision to seek another mandate follows growing encouragement from several OIF member states that have expressed confidence in her leadership and the direction the organization has taken under her stewardship. Speaking earlier this year, she explained that her decision was made after consultations with the Government of Rwanda and after receiving support from countries that believe the progress achieved during her first two terms should continue. While many observers view her as a strong contender due to the broad backing she has received from member states, Mushikiwabo has emphasized that the contest remains open and competitive, noting that all candidates possess the qualifications necessary to lead the organization.
When Mushikiwabo took office in 2019, she inherited an institution facing significant challenges. The organization was grappling with financial constraints, questions about governance, and concerns regarding internal cohesion. At the time, OIF brought together 88 states and governments, including full members, associate members, and observers, representing a global Francophone community of roughly 300 million people. More than half of those French speakers lived in Africa, a continent that continues to play an increasingly important role in the future of the French language and the organization itself.
One of Mushikiwabo’s earliest priorities was to strengthen internal management and restore confidence in the institution. Her administration focused on improving organizational efficiency, reinforcing cooperation among member states, and ensuring that OIF remained relevant in an increasingly complex international environment. Those efforts were soon tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted economies, restricted international travel, and forced governments worldwide to redirect resources toward urgent domestic priorities. Like many international organizations, OIF experienced setbacks as projects slowed and member countries concentrated on managing the immediate impacts of the global health crisis.
Despite those obstacles, Mushikiwabo’s leadership period has been marked by efforts to improve the organization’s financial stability. OIF had long faced challenges related to delayed member contributions and funding levels that had not kept pace with expanding program demands. During her second term, member states agreed to increase their financial contributions, helping the organization strengthen its operational capacity. Several countries, including Rwanda, Egypt, Vietnam, and Djibouti, doubled their contributions, while outstanding financial obligations were significantly reduced.
The organization also moved to increase its overall budget in response to growing demand for development programs and international cooperation initiatives. A major milestone came during OIF ministerial meetings when member states approved gradual budget increases over several years. Those efforts culminated in a significant decision at a ministerial conference in Kigali in November 2025, where members approved a substantial increase in the organization’s 2026 budget to €71.7 million. The additional funding was intended to expand programs supporting education, youth empowerment, women’s development, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation across member countries.
Recognizing that traditional funding sources alone would not be sufficient to meet the organization’s ambitions, member states also granted Mushikiwabo special authority to pursue external partnerships and new sources of financial support. This approach opened opportunities for collaboration with major international institutions and private-sector partners. Among the initiatives expected to benefit from these partnerships is the D-Clic digital training program, which seeks to equip young people with technology and digital skills needed in modern economies. Through planned cooperation with organizations such as the African Development Bank, the program aims to significantly expand its reach, increasing the number of beneficiaries across the Francophone world.
The organization’s recent results have been cited by supporters as evidence of growing impact. According to OIF reports, approximately 1.7 million people benefited from programs supported by the organization in 2025. Thousands of women participated in capacity-building initiatives, while hundreds of women-led projects received support aimed at fostering economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. These programs reflect OIF’s broader mission of promoting sustainable development, inclusion, and opportunity across its diverse membership.
At the same time, the Francophone community itself continues to expand. OIF membership reached 90 states and governments in 2025, reflecting the organization’s growing international appeal. The global population of French speakers has also increased substantially, with more than 396 million people now speaking the language and an additional 170 million learning it. This growth has strengthened the organization’s global influence and reinforced its role as a platform for political dialogue, cultural cooperation, economic partnerships, and educational advancement.
Supporters of Mushikiwabo’s candidacy argue that her leadership has helped steer OIF through a challenging period while laying the foundation for future growth. They point to improvements in financial management, expanded programming, stronger partnerships, and increased international visibility as key accomplishments. They also note her efforts to position OIF as an organization that not only promotes the French language but also contributes to addressing global issues through cooperation, dialogue, and development initiatives.
As the November 2026 election approaches, member states will weigh the records and visions of all candidates seeking to lead the organization. For Mushikiwabo, the campaign represents an opportunity to build on reforms and initiatives launched over the past seven years. If re-elected, she is expected to focus on strengthening the organization’s financial sustainability, expanding economic and investment cooperation among member countries, increasing opportunities for young people through digital skills programs, advancing gender equality, and enhancing OIF’s voice in international affairs. The outcome of the election will help determine how the organization navigates the next chapter of its evolution in a rapidly changing global landscape.
