French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Kenyan President William Ruto exchange a handshake at State House in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Credit: AP/Brian Inganga
French President Emmanuel Macron is in Nairobi, Kenya, attending the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a high-level diplomatic gathering aimed at redefining France’s relationship with African nations.
The two-day summit has brought together approximately 30 African heads of state and government, according to officials involved in the organization of the meeting.
Among the leaders expected to take part are Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema.
Other leaders from both Francophone and Anglophone Africa are also attending, reflecting France’s stated intention to broaden its diplomatic engagement beyond its traditional historical sphere of influence.According to a statement from the French presidency, the Africa Forward Summit is designed to “build a renewed partnership based on mutual respect, investment, and shared priorities.”
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by Paris to reshape its long-standing relationship with Africa, often referred to as “Françafrique” a term critics have used to describe France’s post-colonial influence in parts of the continent.In recent years, France has faced growing political pushback in several African countries, alongside a reduction in its military presence in the Sahel region.
Analysts say this summit is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to reposition France as an equal partner rather than a dominant external power.
The decision to hold the summit in Nairobi is seen as symbolically significant. Kenya, an Anglophone country in East Africa, is viewed as a neutral diplomatic location outside France’s traditional Francophone
Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on investment, trade agreements, technology, and climate action.Officials say the aim is to move away from aid-dependent relationships toward long-term economic partnerships based on mutual benefit.
The summit takes place at a time when African countries are increasingly engaging with multiple global partners, including China, the United States, the Gulf states, and Russia.
Observers say this diversification has reduced Europe’s traditional dominance in African affairs and is reshaping diplomatic competition on the continent.
