The investments will target energy transition, agriculture, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure while supporting closer trade and business partnerships between African nations and France.
Speaking at Nairobi’s convention centre on Monday, Macron described the new approach as a “partnership of equals” and said African businesses would play a central role in the initiative. The two-day summit, hosted in Kenya, brought together leaders from more than 30 African countries, business executives and international investors seeking new opportunities across the continent.
According to Macron, 14 billion euros ($16.4 billion) will come from French companies and public investment funds, while African entrepreneurs and investors are expected to contribute another 9 billion euros ($10.5 billion). French officials said the projects are expected to create more than 250,000 direct jobs across Africa and France.
The summit represents France’s latest effort to rebuild economic and political ties in Africa following growing tensions with several former French colonies in West Africa. France has recently reduced or withdrawn military operations in countries including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso as anti-French sentiment has increased across the region.
France shifts focus toward economic partnerships
Macron told African leaders and investors that the future relationship between Africa and France should focus on trade, innovation and investment rather than aid dependency. He urged African companies to expand into European markets, saying the economic relationship should benefit both sides equally.
“We are not simply here to come and invest on the African continent alongside you,” Macron said during his address. “We need great African business leaders to come and invest in France.”
The summit was the first France-backed Africa summit hosted in an English-speaking African country, reflecting Paris’ efforts to strengthen relations beyond its traditional Francophone partners. Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a regional diplomatic and economic hub, attracting global investment and international conferences.
Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the renewed investment push and called for African countries to focus on long-term economic partnerships instead of aid programs. Ruto said Africa’s rapidly growing population and expanding markets present significant opportunities for international investors.
“We should no longer think in terms of aid and loans, but rather in terms of investment and what Africa has to offer,” Ruto said.
Read more about Africa’s growing technology sector in our Africa digital economy coverage and explore the latest updates on global investment trends.
Major companies announce new projects
The Nairobi summit also attracted several high-profile business leaders, including Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and executives from major French companies such as TotalEnergies and Orange. French shipping giant CMA CGM announced a 700 million euro ($820 million) investment to modernize operations at the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest commercial port.
French officials said sectors receiving the largest investment commitments include renewable energy, maritime infrastructure, digital technology, health and agriculture. Analysts believe the investment drive could strengthen trade links between African economies and Europe at a time when China and the United States continue competing for influence across the continent.
Macron also said France would continue supporting the return of African cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era. France’s parliament recently approved legislation that would make it easier for looted artworks to be returned to African nations.
Kenya’s role in hosting the summit highlights the country’s growing influence in regional diplomacy and international business. Nairobi has increasingly become a destination for global summits focused on climate action, finance and technology.
France views Kenya as a strategic partner in East Africa because of its stable financial sector, strong transport infrastructure and access to regional markets through the East African Community. The summit also took place as Kenya deepens military and economic partnerships with several Western countries.
For France, the Nairobi gathering offered an opportunity to reshape its image in Africa and present itself as a long-term investment partner rather than a former colonial power. Whether the investment commitments deliver meaningful economic impact across the continent will likely determine how African leaders and businesses respond to France’s renewed engagement strategy in the coming years.
