CFAO Mobility Ghana Celebrates Over 117 Years of Franco-Ghanaian Partnership at La Route de l'Avenir
CFAO Mobility Ghana Celebrates Over 117 Years of Franco-Ghanaian Partnership
at La Route de l'Avenir
It was an evening of elegance and diplomacy as CFAO Mobility Ghana, in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ghana (CCIFG), hosted La Route de l'Avenir, an exclusive diplomatic networking cocktail. This event celebrated the enduring partnership between France and Ghana, and CFAO's remarkable over 117-year contribution to Ghana's economic development. Held under the theme "Driven by Excellence. Connected by Partnership," the event brought together Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic corps, Captains of Industry, CEOs, policymakers, and leaders from Ghana's corporate community for an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships, fostering dialogue, and reaffirming the shared values that continue to define Franco-Ghanaian cooperation.
Hosted within the elegant surroundings of the Residence of the Ambassador of France, the evening reflected the spirit of excellence, innovation and collaboration that has characterized the relationship between the two nations for generations. Beyond celebrating CFAO Mobility Ghana's over 117-year presence in the country, the event provided a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, sustainable mobility, economic transformation, and the role of strategic partnerships in shaping Ghana's future.
In his opening remarks, Managing Director/Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Ghana, Mr. Adedamola Adelabu, said the reception was an opportunity to reflect on the relationships that often go unnoticed but underpin economic progress. “Behind every investment, every business partnership, and every success story are people and institutions that have chosen to work together over time,” Mr. Adelabu said. He added that it is this collaboration, trust-building, opportunity creation, and contribution to the growth of communities and economies that makes progress possible.
He also traced CFAO’s journey back to 1852, when a young French entrepreneur, Mr. Charles-Auguste Verminck, founded a trading enterprise that has since evolved into one of Africa’s most enduring business institutions. He said that commitment to knowledge transfer, capability building, and long-term partnership remains a defining part of CFAO’s identity today. That legacy, he added, continues to guide CFAO in Ghana and across the continent, one built not simply on commerce, but on a genuine belief in Africa’s potential and its people. It is a philosophy captured in the company’s slogan: “With Africa, for Africa.”
Mr. Adelabu also commended the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ghana for its role in strengthening business ties between Ghana and France. According to him, French companies operating in Ghana collectively support more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and have invested over €2.5 billion across critical sectors of the economy. With a network of approximately 160 member companies, he said the Chamber has played a remarkable role in fostering these connections and continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting trade, investment, innovation, and collaboration between Ghana and France.
In Ghana, CFAO has also been an integral part of this historical story. Since its establishment in 1909, the organization has grown alongside Ghana’s development, from the trading counters of the early twentieth century to today’s mobility and healthcare, serving Ghana and Africa at large. Generations of Ghanaians remember CFAO Multistores, ElectroHall, and the many products and services that have become part of everyday life.
Concluding his opening remarks, Mr. Adelabu said that when they reflect on their history, they do not measure success simply by the number of vehicles sold, facilities built, or brands represented, but “we measure it by the people whose careers have been built within our organization, the technicians whose skills have been developed, and the entrepreneurs whose businesses have grown because they had access to reliable solutions from us and that’s the essence of partnership”.
He expressed optimism that the longstanding friendship between France and Ghana would continue to play a meaningful role in unlocking those opportunities. He called for the continuous creation of opportunities for investment, innovation, and growth, noting that this aligns with the Group’s core values of entrepreneurship, agility, performance, and diversity.
The Ambassador of France to Ghana, H.E Diarra Dime-Labille remarked: "I see tonight as more than a corporate gathering; it is an opportunity to recognize a deep, long-standing relationship as we celebrate an incredible 117-year legacy of CFAO Mobility here in Ghana. Having witnessed both the completion of the acquisition of Toyota Ghana Limited's mineral distribution activities and the official launch of Toyota Manufacturing Ghana, these milestones are deeply meaningful. They directly align with the broader Ghanaian ambition to build stronger industrial capacity, expand the local automotive sector, create skilled jobs, and increase local value creation."
Following the official remarks, guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception with an electrifying performance by Ghanaian, German Cameroonian artiste Malaika, whilst guests continued exchanging ideas and forging new connections, with Mercedes-Benz vehicles displayed by CFAO Mobility Ghana in the background. The celebration beautifully highlighted how private sector resilience, backed by strong diplomatic ties, can drive national transformation.
