Macron Seeks Fresh Alliances in Africa During Landmark Visit

France is shifting its strategic focus within Africa, as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to forge new connections at an upcoming summit in Nairobi. This gathering marks France’s first significant engagement in an English-speaking African country.

With his tenure nearing its conclusion, Macron aims to cultivate what an Elysee Palace aide describes as a “renewed partnership” with the African continent. The two-day event next week will convene leaders, business magnates, and multilateral development bank executives, following a series of challenges France has faced in regions where it once held considerable influence.

Since 2020, the Sahel region has experienced political upheaval, with military leadership replacing French forces and, in some cases, welcoming Russian mercenaries. Additionally, last July, France relinquished control of its major military base in Senegal. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who opposes the presence of foreign bases compromising national sovereignty, is slated to attend the Kenya summit.

“This appears to be a repositioning effort by France on the continent,” remarked Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at Control Risks. “The strategy involves shifting from traditional colonial ties to countries where it holds cultural and diverse connections.”

Assessing the Shift in Strategy

Macron, who assumed office in 2017 with a pledge to dissolve “Françafrique,” the opaque historical ties with former colonies, has strived to expand France’s reach across Africa. Efforts to address past tensions with nations like Rwanda and Algeria are underway, alongside deeper engagement with African civil and youth initiatives, highlights Alain Antil from the French Institute for International Relations.

The French government has significantly increased trade activities, with imports from Africa rising by 25% between 2021 and 2024, based on International Trade Centre data. Notably, a 300 million euro agreement with Nigeria in 2024 marks France’s commitment to critical sectors like infrastructure and renewable energy.

Macron’s summit agenda will center on investments in areas such as clean energy and artificial intelligence. His visit will also include stops in Egypt and Ethiopia, where France aims to enhance security ties, as evidenced by a defense pact with Kenya last October focusing on intelligence, maritime security, and peacekeeping.

Despite these efforts, France continues to navigate setbacks as heavy foreign investment from China and Gulf nations bolsters their influence in the region. For instance, Kenya’s government, led by President William Ruto, recently reallocated a $1.5 billion highway project from France’s Vinci SA to Chinese enterprises, citing financial risks.

As co-host of the summit, Ruto intends to advance discussions on overhauling the global financial resources for indebted African countries. France has expressed support for this initiative.