Macron at Africa summit seeking allies and a foreign policy less tied to France's colonial past

"More than 30 heads of state and government are meeting in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, for this year's iteration of the summit. Named Africa Forward, it is being seen by analysts as an attempt by France to court new allies. The leaders are joining representatives of the African Union, financial institutions and the development sector to discuss themes including energy transition, peace and security and reform of the international financial architecture."

"Organisers say the event represents a paradigm shift in the relationship between Africa and France. The summit was preceded on Monday by networking, matchmaking and workshop events on youth, creative and cultural industries and sport. The leaders are joining representatives of the African Union, financial institutions and the development sector to discuss themes including energy transition, peace and security and reform of the international financial architecture."

"The Kenyan president, William Ruto, said in a welcome message: This high-level gathering reflects a renewed and forward-looking partnership between Africa and France, grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a clear commitment to delivering tangible outcomes. Macron, his French counterpart, said: We wish to build partnerships on an equal footing, founded on shared interests and tangible results. The Africa Forward summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour."

"France had for decades used a policy called Francafrique in its former colonies to maintain political, economic, and military influence. But it has faced repeated setbacks in francophone countries in west and central Africa, where its relations with its former colonies have deteriorated. Coups in the region have been underpinned by anti-France sentiment, with Paris being accused of neocolonialism and of trying"

A French-African summit held every few years since 1973 is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, for the first time in a non-francophone country. More than 30 heads of state and government are meeting under the Africa Forward name, with participation from the African Union, financial institutions, and development organizations. Discussions cover energy transition, peace and security, and reform of the international financial architecture. Networking and workshop events before the summit focus on youth, creative and cultural industries, and sport. Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron frame the gathering as a renewed partnership grounded in mutual respect and tangible outcomes. France’s previous influence strategy in former colonies has faced setbacks amid anti-France sentiment and accusations of neocolonialism.

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