Africa Forward Summit: Macron visits Kenya to outline France’s new Africa partnership policy

French President Emmanuel Macron began a visit to Kenya on Sunday, ahead of the Africa Forward Summit. Paris said the meeting showed a new approach towards Africa. France said this approach moved away from dominance. France described the new line as a partnership of equals. The summit was held for the first time in an Anglophone country.

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The two-day summit began on Monday and was expected to host 30 heads of state. Ten leaders had arrived by Sunday. Observers were also expected to discuss France’s troop drawdown. The withdrawal from West Africa finished last year. France’s influence in the region has weakened in recent years.

Africa Forward Summit and France troop withdrawal

After former colonies gained independence, France kept strong links across the region. This mix of economic, political and military influence was known as Françafrique. It included thousands of French troops stationed in West Africa. Over time, leaders and opposition figures criticised France’s role. Critics said the approach felt demeaning and heavy-handed.

Macron spoke about shifting global politics during the Kenya visit. Macron said France could disagree with West African governments. Macron added that France never disagrees with the people. The summit was designed to reflect this messaging. France framed the event as cooperation based on equal footing.

Africa Forward Summit and Kenya political reactions

Kenyan President William Ruto, who hosted Macron, said the summit mattered for both countries. William Ruto said both leaders expected a turning point. The aim was a stronger partnership with clearer terms. The summit also placed Kenya at the centre of wider regional debates. Those debates included governance and security.

Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticised Kenya’s selection as the venue. Musyoka said democracy remained under threat and the opposition was under attack. Musyoka also alleged human rights violations as the 2027 general election approached. "There will be an air of pretense that we are a cohesive nation,\" Musyoka said. \"We know that is far from the truth.\"

Africa Forward Summit and Kenya-France agreements

On Sunday, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements covering investments across several sectors. The deals included plans for a nuclear energy plant. They also covered modernised transport and sustainable agriculture projects. Macron said the investments aimed to strengthen human capital. Macron linked that focus to innovation and Africa’s growing young population.

William Ruto also described Kenya’s broader foreign policy approach on Sunday. William Ruto said Nairobi wanted many relationships across the world. William Ruto said Kenya was not looking East or West. William Ruto said Kenya was looking forward. The Africa Forward Summit continued with expectations of further discussions among visiting leaders.

With inputs from PTI