Canada announces funding for African countries [Video]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to announce funding to support French-speaking African countries and initiatives to promote the French language in the Francophonie. 

Trudeau is expected to announce the funding Saturday as he wraps up a visit to France for the Francophonie summit.

The federal government will direct $16 million to support access to education, women and girls, youth health and the safety of communities in French-speaking African countries.

Ottawa is also earmarking $1.6 million for scientific research in French, student mobility and youth employability as well as expanding content on a French-language streaming platform.

Trudeau participated in an armchair discussion on artificial intelligence on Friday, while leaders held a session on challenges for French-speaking citizens in the digital age.

The Francophonie summit takes place every two years and gives French-speaking countries a chance to discuss how to promote their shared language while strengthening ties.

This year, leaders are …