Macron reframes France-Africa ties at Kenya summit

French President Emmanuel Macron opened the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya on Sunday, unveiling a revised framework for France-Africa relations centred on partnership rather than influence.

The initiative marks a strategic recalibration as Paris faces growing competition for African engagement from China, India and Gulf states. Macron's visit underscores France's economic and political interests across the continent, where Paris maintains significant military and commercial presence.

The summit brings together African leaders and international partners to discuss development, security and trade. France retains substantial leverage through colonial-era ties, defence agreements and currency ties linked to the franc across West and Central Africa.