French President Emmanuel Macron visited Nairobi, Kenya, for the two-day Africa Forward summit to promote a new model of partnership with African nations. The gathering, which brought together heads of state and officials from more than 30 countries, aims to renew France's engagement with the continent through a strategy of autonomy and a partnership of equals rather than one based on influence.
This new approach comes as France distances itself from its neocolonial past and the policy of Françafrique, which was characterized by economic, political, and military sway over former colonies. The summit takes place as France completes a military withdrawal from West African countries, a transition viewed as a sign of its declining influence in the region. By hosting the event in an English-speaking country for the first time, France is signaling a shift toward Anglophone Africa.
President Macron announced that the summit mobilized 23 billion euros in investment, including 14 billion euros from French public and private entities and nine billion euros from African investors. These investments are focused on agriculture, the maritime economy, digital and AI, and the energy transition. The event featured meetings between heads of state and business leaders, emphasizing calls for mutual respect and stronger trade ties.