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France hosts African leaders in Kenya to redefine partnerships
French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted a two-day summit in Nairobi with Kenyan President William Ruto, marking France's first such event in an English-speaking African nation. The gathering aims to reset Paris's relationship with the continent amid growing anti-French sentiment in former colonies.
Investment pledges and economic focus
Macron announced $27 billion in investments across Africa, targeting energy transition, digital innovation, AI, maritime sectors, and agriculture. The plan is projected to create 250,000 jobs, split between Africa and France. Addressing delegates at Nairobi's convention center, Macron emphasized mutual investment, urging African business leaders to expand into France.
"Africa is succeeding. It's the youngest continent in the world... and needs investment to become more self-reliant."
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Breaking from colonial legacy
The summit's location in Kenya-a former British colony-signals France's attempt to move beyond its traditional Francophone sphere. Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi called the event an opportunity for Africa to "speak as one," dismissing linguistic divides as "artificial."
Analyst Gilles Yabi noted the shift reflects both France's declining influence in West Africa and its search for new markets. "It's not just a reaction to deteriorating ties," he told the BBC. "France realizes it must look beyond its former colonies."
Security and geopolitical tensions
France's military withdrawal from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger-where juntas expelled French troops-loomed over the summit. Macron defended the pullout as a "logical response" to local demands, insisting France would not impose its presence. None of the three countries' leaders attended the event.
Djibouti now hosts France's last operational African military base. Meanwhile, Kenya and France signed a five-year defense pact last month, covering intelligence sharing, maritime security, and disaster response.
Criticism and cultural clashes
UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the global system for excluding Africa, calling for local processing of the continent's resources. Macron echoed this, stating Africa "no longer needs or wants" external prescriptions.
A moment of tension arose when Macron interrupted a speaker to demand silence from the audience, sparking accusations of colonial-style lecturing on social media. Others defended his right to enforce decorum.
Economic and climate priorities
Over 30 African leaders attended, alongside Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and French corporate representatives. Discussions centered on infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology, including potential nuclear cooperation.
Guterres highlighted Africa's climate vulnerability despite low emissions, urging investment in its solar potential. Kenya's government seeks French partnerships to diversify its energy mix, while French brands like Carrefour already dominate Nairobi's retail landscape.
Soft power replaces military influence
Analyst Beverly Ochieng described France's strategy as a pivot to economic and cultural engagement. "France is leveraging commercial brands and EU influence to mobilize initiatives," she said. For younger Kenyans, France's image is tied more to fashion and food than geopolitics-a contrast to its fraught legacy in West Africa.
Mudavadi framed the summit as forward-looking: "It's not about digging into the past."
