Wayne Lumbasi
France is intensifying efforts to rebuild its influence across Africa after suffering a series of diplomatic setbacks in West Africa, with President Emmanuel Macron now turning attention to East Africa through a major summit set to take place in Nairobi. The upcoming Africa France summit, which will be co hosted by Kenya and France, is being seen as a key moment in Paris’ attempt to reshape its relationship with the continent after years of growing anti French sentiment in several former colonies.
For decades, France maintained strong political, economic and military influence in Francophone Africa, particularly in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. However, relations have deteriorated sharply in recent years following military coups and rising accusations that Paris continued to interfere in the internal affairs of its former colonies. French troops were expelled from several Sahel nations, while protesters in some countries openly demanded an end to French involvement in the region.
The setbacks have forced the French government to rethink its Africa policy and search for new partnerships beyond its traditional sphere of influence. Kenya has now emerged as one of France’s most important allies in East Africa, with the two countries strengthening cooperation in trade, security, technology and infrastructure. President William Ruto is expected to play a central role at the Nairobi summit alongside Macron as both leaders push for closer economic collaboration between Africa and Europe.
French officials say the summit will focus on investment, innovation, renewable energy, digital transformation and job creation rather than military cooperation, which has long defined France’s engagement in parts of Africa. Paris says it wants to move away from the old “Françafrique” system that critics accused of promoting dependency and political control, and instead build partnerships based on mutual respect and shared economic growth.
Despite the renewed push, France faces increasing competition across the continent from global powers such as China, Russia and Gulf nations, all of which have expanded their influence through investment, trade and security agreements. China in particular has become a dominant economic player in Africa through major infrastructure projects financed under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The summit is expected to attract heads of state, investors, development institutions and business leaders from across Africa and Europe. Observers say its success could shape the future of France’s engagement with Africa as Paris seeks to reposition itself in a continent where influence is increasingly contested and old colonial ties no longer guarantee loyalty.
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