Macron Hosts Africa-France Summit in Nairobi for First Time Outside Francophone Nations

A French-African summit held every few years since 1973 takes place in a non-francophone country for the first time on Tuesday. President Emmanuel Macron aims to rebuild France's role on the continent after setbacks in its former colonies.

More than 30 heads of state and government are meeting in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, for this year's edition, named Africa Forward. Analysts view it as France's bid to court new allies.

The leaders join African Union representatives, financial institutions and development groups to discuss energy transition, peace and security, and reform of the international financial architecture.

The summit followed networking, matchmaking and workshop events on Monday focused on youth, creative and cultural industries, and sport.

Organizers call the event a paradigm shift in Africa-France relations.

Kenyan President William Ruto said in a welcome message: "This high-level gathering reflects a renewed and forward-looking partnership between Africa and France, grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a clear commitment to delivering tangible outcomes."

Macron said: "We wish to build partnerships on an equal footing, founded on shared interests and tangible results. The Africa Forward summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour."

France long maintained political, economic and military influence in former colonies through a policy called Françafrique. But relations have soured in west and central African francophone countries.

Coups there have drawn on anti-France sentiment, with accusations of neocolonialism and meddling in military and other affairs.

Since 2022, France has withdrawn troops from Mali, Niger and Chad. Some nations ended defense agreements with Paris; others demanded the pullout.

International relations analyst Mikhail Nyamweya said the non-francophone venue signals France moving "beyond its old francophone comfort zone … after losing ground in its traditional sphere of influence".

He added: "France is trying to repackage its Africa policy through an anglophone diplomatic hub, and to present the relationship as broader, more economic, and less tied to its colonial past."

The summit aligns with Ruto's efforts to position Kenya as a reliable international partner and convening hub. Kenya has led a security mission in Haiti and hosted the first Africa Climate Summit during his term.

History and international relations scholar Macharia Munene said Macron seeks a global leadership role and African companions. "There was a convergence of interests," he said of Macron and Ruto.

France and Kenya signed a defense agreement last year, which east African opposition and civil society groups criticized for compromising sovereignty and granting French soldiers legal immunity. In March, 800 French military personnel arrived in Kenya for training and security exercises.

At a joint press briefing with Ruto in Nairobi on Sunday, Macron addressed France's changing west Africa dynamics. He downplayed the absence of leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger while noting academics, artists and entrepreneurs from those countries attended.

"We can disagree with some of these governments, but we never disagree with people. We love these people," he said.