As a major energy operator, Total must contribute to the development of our host countries. Going above and beyond our contractual obligations, we ensure that our operations create value and opportunities by supporting employment, training and the local industrial fabric.
A comprehensive and integrated approach to local economic development
Our ambition is to take action and be recognized as a lasting partner in the social and economic development of the communities and regions where we operate. To fulfill this ambition, we have created a comprehensive and integrated approach to local economic development called In-Country Value. The approach is founded on dialogue with our stakeholders and it enables us to establish development priorities together and create long-term synergies.
Our local economic development policy is focused on three main areas:
- Training and hiring of local staff.
- Purchasing local goods and services.
- Developing infrastructure.
Driven by this ambition, we are strengthening the local socio-economic base, furthering the development of industrial capacity and facilitating skills transfer.
Encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and SMEs
Contributing to local economic development is also about providing the communities around us with the means to shape and manage their development independently and based on their own priorities.
That's why we're focusing our efforts on the development of the industrial base and SMEs:
- In France, TotalEnergies Direction France offers support to French entrepreneurs. Between 2019 and 2021, we granted €16 million in interest-free loans to 423 beneficiaries to create or maintain close to 11,000 jobs.
- Internationally, we support entrepreneurs in creating or developing their business plans through coaching programs and microcredit lending.
Helping to strengthen local job markets with the focus on ensuring a fair transition
As a responsible company and as part of our determination to achieve a fair transition, we anticipate our own industrial transformations and their related impacts. When one of our sites has to transform to adapt to the market or our carbon neutrality strategy, TotalEnergies Direction France offers guidance to partner companies to preserve local jobs and supports projects aimed at creating new industrial facilities, thereby helping to strengthen the economic and industrial fabric of the local job market in line with our policy for a fair transition.
TotalEnergies Direction France works closely with other local economic players, including economic development organizations and chambers of commerce and industry.