French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kenya on Sunday ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, an event aimed at promoting France’s new approach to relations with African countries based on what Paris describes as a partnership of equals.
The summit, being hosted for the first time in an English-speaking African country, comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and declining French influence in parts of West Africa following the withdrawal of French troops from the region last year.
For decades after the independence of its former colonies, France maintained strong economic, political and military influence across Africa through a system commonly referred to as “Françafrique.”
The policy included the deployment of thousands of French troops across several African nations, but it also attracted criticism from political leaders and opposition figures who accused France of adopting a heavy-handed and patronising approach toward the continent.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Kenyan President William Ruto said both leaders expect the gathering to mark a major shift in Africa-France relations.
According to Ruto, the summit could become a “turning point” toward building a stronger and more balanced partnership between France and African nations.
Macron also acknowledged the changing political climate in West Africa and France’s strained ties with some governments in the region.
“We can disagree with governments, but we never disagree with the people,” Macron said while commenting on France’s evolving role on the continent.
The two-day summit, scheduled to begin on Monday in Nairobi, is expected to bring together about 30 African heads of state, with at least 10 leaders already arriving in Kenya ahead of the event.
However, the choice of Kenya as host country has attracted criticism from opposition figures.
Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the decision, arguing that Kenya faces growing democratic challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.
“There will be an air of pretense that we are a cohesive nation,” Musyoka said.
“We know that is far from the truth,” he added, while alleging that democracy and human rights remain under pressure in the country.
In response, President Ruto said Kenya remains committed to maintaining balanced global partnerships without aligning strictly with either Western or Eastern blocs.
“Nairobi is neither looking East nor West, but looking forward,” Ruto stated.
During Macron’s visit, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements covering key sectors including transport, agriculture and nuclear energy development.
Among the deals announced was an ambitious plan to support the development of a nuclear energy plant in Kenya alongside investments aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and sustainable agriculture.
Macron said the agreements were focused on strengthening Africa’s human capital and supporting innovation, especially considering the continent’s rapidly growing youth population.
The French leader noted that the investments align closely with the summit’s broader focus on economic development, innovation and long-term cooperation.
This marks only the second official visit by a French president to Kenya, highlighting the growing strategic importance of East Africa in France’s renewed engagement with the continent.
