French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted a high-level summit in Nairobi with Kenyan President William Ruto, gathering heads of state and business leaders. The event marks France’s pivot to English-speaking Africa amid strained relations with Francophone West African countries, where anti-French sentiment has grown due to failed military interventions and perceived neocolonial interference.

The two-day summit, the first French Africa summit held in an English-speaking country, saw Macron announce €23 billion ($27 billion) in investments across energy, artificial intelligence, and culture. Ruto emphasized that partnerships must be based on “sovereign equality” and “mutually beneficial investment,” not dependency or charity.

However, Macron’s actions sparked online backlash. He interrupted a panel of young artists, stepping on stage to scold the audience for murmuring, calling it a “total lack of respect.” He also claimed to be a “true Pan-Africanist,” drawing criticism for cultural appropriation. Social media users questioned France’s commitment to equal partnership.

Analysts say France is shifting from military and development aid to commercial engagement, but success is uncertain. “It’s too early to tell if this is a successful pivot,” said Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks. France faces competition from Russia, Turkey, Gulf states, and China. In 2025, Kenya terminated a highway contract with France’s Vinci Highways over cost concerns, awarding it to a Chinese firm.

Despite reduced military influence, France retains economic leverage through the CFA franc, used by 14 countries. French companies like Orange and TotalEnergies remain deeply embedded in local economies. The summit highlighted both France’s desire to reset ties and the challenges of overcoming a colonial legacy.

Source: www.aljazeera.com