French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Nairobi on Sunday for talks with Kenyan President William Ruto ahead of a major Africa summit aimed at strengthening France’s economic and diplomatic ties with the continent.
Macron is expected to co-host the two-day summit beginning Monday, bringing together African leaders, investors, and business executives to discuss economic development, trade, and cross-border investment opportunities.
According to the French presidency, the gathering marks the first time such a summit is being held in an English-speaking African country, underscoring France’s efforts to broaden its engagement beyond its traditional francophone allies.
The French leader’s visit forms part of a wider African tour that also includes stops in Egypt and Ethiopia, as Paris seeks to reset relations with African nations following years of strained ties and growing anti-French sentiment in parts of the continent.
France has increasingly faced competition for influence in Africa from countries such as Russia and China, while criticism has mounted over its historical role in former colonies under the long-criticised “Francafrique” policy.
French officials say the current administration is working to move away from that model by promoting partnerships based on investment, mutual interests, and economic cooperation.
During Macron’s visit, French shipping giant CMA CGM signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Kenyan government to develop transport and logistics infrastructure.
The agreement, valued at approximately 700 million euros, includes plans for a new port terminal in Mombasa capable of handling large container vessels.
Macron also announced that investment agreements worth more than one billion euros had been concluded during the visit, including projects involving infrastructure developer Meridiam to expand Kenya’s second-largest wind farm.
Kenya is regarded by French businesses as a strategic gateway for trade and logistics operations across East and Central Africa.
The summit is expected to focus on investment, infrastructure, climate initiatives, and regional economic cooperation as France seeks to strengthen its presence and partnerships across Africa.
