France Looks to Revive African Influence Through Macron Tour

French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a multi-country visit to Africa aimed at rebuilding relations between France and African nations after years of diplomatic tensions and declining influence across the continent.

Macron’s visit will include stops in Kenya, Egypt and Ethiopia as Paris attempts to strengthen political and economic cooperation with African governments.

While in Kenya, Emmanuel Macron is expected to lead the Africa Forward Summit on Monday and Tuesday, bringing together African leaders, investors and business executives.

The summit is expected to focus on regional investment, infrastructure, economic development and private sector partnerships between France and African countries.

According to the Élysée Palace, the Africa Forward meeting represents a major step in redefining relations between France and Africa, with discussions centered on long-term economic cooperation rather than traditional political influence.

The visit comes at a time when France has faced growing resistance in several African countries, particularly in West Africa, where military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have reduced ties with Paris and pushed out French military forces.

France has increasingly faced competition from countries such as China, Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have expanded economic and political influence across Africa in recent years.

Macron’s administration has repeatedly argued that France wants a “new partnership” with Africa based on investment, trade and mutual interests rather than the legacy of colonial influence that has long shaped criticism of Paris on the continent.

The French president’s Africa tour also comes less than a year before the end of his presidential term, making the trip politically significant as Paris attempts to secure stronger diplomatic and business ties with fast-growing African economies.

Kenya is expected to play a central role during the visit due to its growing position as a regional economic hub and gateway for international investment into East Africa.

Officials from both France and African partner countries say the summit will also discuss youth entrepreneurship, energy transition, digital innovation and regional infrastructure development.