Emmanuel Macron, on Sunday, began a visit to Kenya ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, as France seeks to redefine its relationship with African nations amid changing geopolitical dynamics and declining influence in parts of West Africa.
The two-day Summit, which opens on Monday in Nairobi, is being hosted for the first time in an Anglophone African country and is expected to bring together about 30 heads of state.
French authorities say the gathering reflects a shift from the long-criticised “Françafrique” approach — characterised by political, economic and military influence in former colonies — towards what Paris describes as a partnership of equals.
Speaking alongside Macron, Kenyan President William Ruto said both leaders hoped the summit would mark a “turning point” in relations between France and Africa.
Macron acknowledged changing political realities in West Africa following the withdrawal of French troops from the region last year, saying France may disagree with governments but “never disagrees with the people”.
Kenya’s opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the decision to host the Summit in Kenya, arguing that democracy and human rights remain under pressure ahead of the country’s 2027 general election.
On Sunday, Kenya and France also signed 11 agreements covering sectors including nuclear energy, transport modernization and sustainable agriculture.
Macron said the investments were aimed at strengthening Africa’s “human capital”, particularly in line with the summit’s focus on innovation and the continent’s growing youth population.