- Africa now seeks partnerships built on economic growth and mutual respect rather than lectures from foreign powers
- the French president defended Europe’s role on the continent during an interview with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report magazines
- According to him, the withdrawals should not be seen as a humiliation but as a normal response to changing political realities in the region
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for increased investment in Africa as he co-hosted an economic summit in Kenya aimed at strengthening partnerships between Africa and France.
Speaking at the University of Nairobi, Eko Hot Blog reports that Macron said Africa requires stronger investment opportunities to achieve greater economic independence, stressing that the continent should move beyond dependence on foreign aid.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Fani-Kayode, Omokri Oppose Return Of Power To North Before 2031, Endorse Tinubu For 2027
- Putin defends Ukraine war amid NATO aggression claims
- Epe Stakeholders Unite in Massive Endorsement for Wale Raji, Tobun, Tinubu, Others
The French leader noted that past approaches where European leaders dictated solutions to African countries were no longer acceptable or effective.
According to him, Africa now seeks partnerships built on economic growth and mutual respect rather than lectures from foreign powers.
Macron, who addressed the audience in French, admitted that Europe also lacks the financial capacity to continue the traditional aid-driven relationship with Africa.
Ahead of the summit, the French president defended Europe’s role on the continent during an interview with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report magazines.
He recalled that he openly criticised colonialism after assuming office in 2017 but argued that post-independence African leadership must also take responsibility for governance challenges facing the continent.
Macron maintained that former colonial powers such as France and the United Kingdom should not be viewed as the main exploiters of Africa in the present era.
He said Europe continues to support international law, free trade, and multilateral cooperation, unlike what he described as aggressive competition between the United States and China.
The French president accused China of creating dependency through its control of critical minerals and rare earth processing, saying Beijing’s approach follows a “predatory logic.”
Macron said Europe’s objective is to promote greater autonomy for both Africa and Europe through balanced partnerships and economic cooperation.
He also called for reforms in global financial systems to encourage private sector investment in Africa through financial guarantees and support mechanisms.
The two-day summit in Nairobi is part of France’s broader efforts to rebuild relations with African nations following years of strained ties, especially in former French colonies.
Macron also addressed France’s military withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after coups in the countries between 2020 and 2023.
He said France’s military presence in the Sahel region was initially requested to help combat jihadist threats and added that French forces left once their presence was no longer welcomed.
According to him, the withdrawals should not be seen as a humiliation but as a normal response to changing political realities in the region.
Macron expressed optimism that the Sahel region would eventually return to democratic governance led by leaders focused on the welfare of their citizens.
FURTHER READING
