Christophe Lecourtier takes the helm of AFD Group at a pivotal moment

Against a backdrop of geopolitical upheavals and growing interdependence between France, Europe, and the rest of the world – as illustrated by the ongoing energy crisis – Christophe Lecourtier will steer AFD’s strategic positioning, prioritizing impact, visibility, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, for the most vulnerable populations, the French people, and the mutual interests that bind us to the rest of the world.

A profile spanning diplomacy, public leadership, and economic affairs 

A graduate of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Saint-Cloud, Sciences Po Paris, and the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), Christophe Lecourtier began his career in 1991 at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. After serving in several roles focused on international economic relations, he joined ministerial cabinets, notably working with Simone Veil at the Ministry of Health and later with Francis Mer and Nicolas Sarkozy. As Secretary General of the Treasury, he worked with Christine Lagarde at the Ministry of Agriculture and later at the Ministry of Finance, where he handled European and international affairs, including those related to development. 

In 2008, he was appointed head of Ubifrance and led the transformation of the organization, which is responsible for the international development of French companies. In 2014, he spearheaded its merger with the Invest in France Agency, creating a major agency supporting the international expansion of French companies – Business France – which he led from 2017 to 2022.  

Christophe Lecourtier, the first ambassador appointed to head AFD Group, served as the French ambassador to Australia from 2014 to 2017, and subsequently to Serbia. 

From 2022, he served as France’s ambassador to Morocco, AFD Group’s primary country of operation. During a complex period, he has helped revitalize Franco-Moroccan relations by promoting a vision of France that combines diplomatic engagement, solidarity, and mutually beneficial investment. 

Strategic repositioning for a changing world

Speaking before Parliament, Christophe Lecourtier paid tribute to the work of AFD employees and commended the results achieved over the past decade. In response to criticism directed at AFD, he defended the institution’s strategic role: 

“In today’s world, I am convinced that AFD is more necessary than ever to uphold a certain vision of France, to promote our values, and to advance the mutual interests that bind us to the rest of the world. We must, however, be selective, transparent, and exemplary. More than just a smaller version of the World Bank, AFD is destined to be a major French agency.”  

Along with strengthening AFD’s foundations and its mandate of solidarity, Christophe Lecourtier proposed several strategic changes: strengthening dialogue with the relevant ministries, parliament, and employees; closer alignment with France’s foreign policy and its strategic, diplomatic, and economic interests; simplification and modernization; and focusing resources on regions and sectors where the impact is most tangible.

Strong ministerial support despite budget constraints

“With development financing a top priority for the G7, I welcome the appointment of Christophe Lecourtier, who will embody this new momentum: pragmatic and effective international partnerships dedicated to climate, biodiversity, and our strategic priorities, all in a spirit of solidarity. In a fragmented world, AFD, under Christophe Lecourtier’s leadership, will carry this vision forward”, emphasized Roland Lescure, Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty.

“Investing in development means taking direct action to support global stability and, by extension, the security and prosperity of the French people. This is what AFD is working to achieve with efficiency and expertise. I welcome the opening of this new chapter in its history”, said Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.  

“A few days ago, France hosted the meeting of G7 development ministers. There, we advocated shifting from an aid-based approach to one focused on sustainable investment, serving our mutual interests. AFD is spearheading this new approach, and I offer my full support to its new Director General as we turn this new page”, added Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.