The influence of a language is not determined by the number of its speakers, but their power and cultural influence. Given the myriad challenges facing sub-Saha

The influence of a language is not determined by the number of its speakers, but their power and cultural influence. Given the myriad challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, it is unlikely to give French much more influence even in 2050, which is just one generation away from now. The only possibility is if sub-Saharan Africa can pull off the feat of China (lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty in one generation), but with much less supporting global economic and environmental climate, and questionable governance institutions. Altogether, the chance is slim. (Also, even the projected 750 million speakers by 2050 will likely be smaller than the number of Hindi speakers then.)