French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his African tour with a landmark announcement of €23 billion in investments for Africa during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The investment plan, unveiled on May 11, 2026, includes €14 billion from French private and public sectors, focusing on energy transition, AI, marine economy, and agriculture. This initiative is expected to create 250,000 jobs and marks a significant shift in France's economic and diplomatic engagement with the continent. Radio France Internationale+2
Macron's tour began in Egypt, where he inaugurated the new campus of Senghor University of the Francophonie in Alexandria alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. The event highlighted France's cultural and linguistic ties with Francophone Africa. Macron emphasized the French language's universality and its role in post-colonial contexts, sparking debates about linguistic demographics. Radio France Internationale+2
In Nairobi, Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto discussed bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Macron declared that France's exclusive influence in Africa ended in 2017, signaling a new era of partnership based on mutual respect and sovereignty. The Africa Forward Summit aimed to foster economic collaboration between France and African nations, focusing on sustainable development. Le Figaro+2
Macron also addressed France's colonial past, emphasizing the return of looted African artifacts as part of efforts to rectify historical injustices. This move aligns with France's broader commitment to fostering equitable relationships with African nations, moving beyond traditional spheres of influence. China.org+1
The €23 billion investment plan includes: