Phnom Penh is preparing a major venue to host the “Village Francophone,” a large exhibition space featuring pavilions from more than 100 countries and international organisations as part of the side events of the 20th Francophonie Summit.
The initiative forms part of Cambodia’s preparations for the summit scheduled to take place in November 2026, which is expected to bring together leaders, institutions, and business representatives from across the Francophone world.
On Mar. 4, H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Chairperson of the 5th Sub-Committee responsible for the summit’s side events, joined H.E. Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), on an inspection tour of potential venues in Phnom Penh.
The delegation conducted on-site assessments at several locations across the capital to evaluate their suitability for hosting the summit’s side events and to ensure Phnom Penh is ready to accommodate the international gathering.
The Village Francophone will feature pavilions for participating countries to showcase their culture and tourism, while international organisations and institutions will present their activities. The event will also include thematic roundtable discussions and business meetings among entrepreneurs and investors from French-speaking countries.
During a meeting in Phnom Penh on Mar. 2, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet informed H.E. Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo that Cambodia plans to organise three major side events alongside the 20th Francophonie Summit: (1) the Francophonie Entrepreneurship Forum, (2) the Village Francophone, and (3) FrancoTech.
