Esther Oseyiomon
France has moved to reshape its relationship with Africa amid growing anti-French sentiment across parts of West and Central Africa, with leaders at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi advocating a new partnership model based on mutual respect, investment, and shared economic growth.
The summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, brought together more than 30 African Heads of State alongside about 4,000 delegates from Africa, France, and Europe.
Discussions at the summit focused on artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, agriculture, sports, entertainment, and cultural industries, with both leaders stressing the need for more balanced and solution-driven cooperation between Africa and France.
The event followed a youth networking session held on Monday, May 12, which centred on creative industries, sports, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement as drivers of economic growth across the continent.
Speaking at the opening session, President Macron said France was no longer approaching Africa with the mindset of the past, insisting that African countries must now be treated as equal partners.
According to him, France was in Nairobi not to dictate terms, but to listen, understand African priorities, and build partnerships that deliver practical benefits for both sides.
“We are not here to tell Africans what to do,” Macron stated, adding that Africa and France must collaborate in areas where both regions can compete globally.
He identified artificial intelligence as one of the major areas for future cooperation, warning that the sector is increasingly dominated by global powers such as the United States and China.
Macron also highlighted agriculture, infrastructure, sports, and entertainment as sectors capable of driving stronger economic ties between Africa and France.
On his part, President Ruto described the summit as a renewed and forward-looking engagement focused on shared responsibility and tangible outcomes.
He said Kenya was expanding fibre optic infrastructure across the country as part of efforts to drive digital transformation and technological innovation.
Ruto also called for reforms to the global financial system to ensure African countries have fairer access to financing and development opportunities.
According to him, the new partnership between Africa and France must move away from old narratives and focus on practical solutions capable of addressing the continent’s development challenges.
Analysts say the summit comes at a critical period for France as it seeks to rebuild influence in Africa following diplomatic and security setbacks in several former colonies where anti-French sentiments have intensified.
Observers also note that France’s renewed focus on youth engagement, investment, innovation, and cultural collaboration signals a broader attempt to reposition itself as a long-term economic partner on the continent.
The summit is expected to conclude with further engagements on investment opportunities, regional cooperation, sustainable development, and stronger Africa-Europe partnerships in emerging sectors shaping the global economy.