France announced an investment of approximately $27 billion during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, as President Emmanuel Macron outlined a renewed strategy for engagement with African countries focused on energy, artificial intelligence and agriculture.
The investment will primarily target renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, maritime industries and digital infrastructure. The announcement comes as France seeks to redefine its relationship with African nations and expand its partnerships beyond its traditional sphere of influence in Francophone Africa.
The Nairobi summit marked the first time France hosted a major Africa-focused conference in an English-speaking African country. The move was presented as part of a broader effort by France to move beyond historical colonial-era relationships and establish new forms of cooperation with African countries.
Addressing the summit, President Macron said Africa was among the world’s most promising regions because of its rapidly growing young population and b economic growth potential.
Macron said the objective of the investment initiative was not only to provide capital but also to support African countries in becoming more self-reliant and increasing their participation in the global economy. He added that future partnerships should be based on equality and transparency.
In recent years, France has faced growing opposition in several African countries, particularly in the Sahel region. Military-led governments in countries including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have expelled French troops and shifted security cooperation toward countries such as Russia.
France has also faced accusations in those countries of neo-colonial interference and political control, contributing to a decline in its traditional influence in the region.
Political analysts said the Nairobi summit reflected an effort by France to improve its image and rebuild trust with African countries. Senegal-based analyst Gilles Yabi said younger generations in Africa were seeking equal partnerships that move beyond colonial history.
According to analysts, France is attempting to reposition itself as a partner in investment and development rather than primarily as a military power.
Kenya’s foreign minister described the summit as an important opportunity for African countries, saying the platform could help move the continent beyond linguistic and colonial divisions, including Francophone, Anglophone and Lusophone blocs, toward a shared economic identity.
The minister said the summit represented a step toward greater continental unity and ber economic cooperation.
Analysts said France is increasingly shifting its Africa policy away from military presence and toward economic partnerships and technology investment as Africa emerges as a strategic economic centre in the changing global balance of power.
