France to Invest Billions in Africa: President Macron Unveils Major Projects Set for the Continent
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France plans to invest $27 billion across Africa as part of efforts to renew and strengthen relations between France and African countries, especially after years of strained ties in several parts of the continent.
Macron made the announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, 11 May 2026, during a major summit bringing together France and African nations. The event was attended by heads of state, leaders of international organizations, investors, experts in economics and technology, as well as representatives of African youth and the private sector.
The summit aimed to explore ways Africa and France could build a new partnership based on mutual interests, rather than focusing on colonial history or one-sided benefits.
In his speech, President Macron said the time had come for Africa to be treated as a strong and capable partner, rather than merely a continent in need of aid.
He stated:
“We are not here only to invest money in Africa. We also want African investors to come and invest in France. We are seeking a new partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Macron made these remarks at a time when France has been losing influence in several African countries, particularly in the Sahel region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where citizens and new governments have increasingly criticized France’s role in regional politics and security matters.
President Macron said the funds would be invested in sectors considered essential for Africa’s future development.
The key sectors expected to benefit include:
Energy, including electricity and renewable energy,
Advanced technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI),
Maritime transport,
Modern agriculture,
Industrial development and infrastructure.
Macron stated that the investment is expected to help create more than 250,000 new jobs both in Africa and France, while also providing young people with greater opportunities in technology and innovation.
The Nairobi summit was viewed as a significant step in strengthening relations between Africa and Europe, with many leaders emphasizing that Africa should be recognized as a major market of the future due to its young workforce, natural resources, and rapid technological growth.
Participants at the summit included leaders from East and West African countries, international financial institutions, major French companies, and African private sector representatives involved in technology, agriculture, and energy.
Kenya, which hosted the summit, was praised as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs, particularly because of its progress in digital innovation and technology-driven financial services.
Analysts say Macron’s visit and these new agreements are part of broader efforts to rebuild trust between France and African countries after many former French colonies began asserting greater independence in diplomacy and security matters.
In recent years, France has faced accusations from African citizens of maintaining excessive influence over governance in some countries, leading to protests and the expulsion of French troops from certain Sahel states.
However, Macron insisted that France is seeking “a new partnership not based on colonial history,” but one focused on trade, technology, training, and investment that benefits both sides.
The Nairobi summit could mark the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Africa and France, especially at a time when Africa continues to emerge as one of the world’s most promising regions for economic and technological growth in the years ahead.
