French President Emmanuel Macron has defended Europe’s engagement in Africa while calling for stronger governance and economic reform across the continent, during a two-day economic summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Speaking in interviews with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, Macron addressed long-standing debates about colonial history, development, and foreign influence in Africa. He said he had “strongly condemned colonialism” when he took office in 2017, but argued that Africa’s current challenges cannot be explained solely by its colonial past.
“We must not exonerate from all responsibility the seven decades that followed independence,” he said, urging African leaders to take greater ownership of governance and development outcomes.
His comments came as he positioned Europe as a constructive partner in Africa’s future, rejecting claims that European involvement is exploitative. Macron insisted that Europe is not “the predator of this century,” stressing its commitment to multilateralism, open trade, and the rule of law.
He contrasted Europe’s approach with that of China, accusing Beijing of pursuing what he described as a “predatory logic” in Africa’s critical minerals sector. Macron argued that China often processes raw materials domestically, creating economic dependencies for resource-rich African countries.
Macron’s remarks come amid growing global competition for influence in Africa, particularly around energy transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.
A central theme of Macron’s visit to Nairobi was economic reform. He called for a “strategy of autonomy” that would strengthen both African and European economies through more balanced partnerships. He also pushed for reforms in global financial systems, including new financial guarantees designed to attract private investment into African economies.
African governments have long argued that current international lending and investment systems limit development, and Macron acknowledged the need for change to unlock large-scale funding for infrastructure, energy, and industrial growth.
The Nairobi summit also formed part of Macron’s broader diplomatic effort to reset France’s relationship with Africa, particularly after growing tensions in the Sahel region.
France recently ended its military presence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after a series of coups brought military juntas to power between 2020 and 2023. The withdrawals marked a major shift in France’s long-standing security role in West Africa.
Macron defended the decision, saying France left because it was no longer wanted. “When our presence was no longer wanted after the coups, we left,” he said. “That wasn’t a humiliation but a logical response.”
French forces had previously been deployed in the region with the support of local governments to combat jihadist insurgencies linked to extremist groups operating across the Sahel. However, rising anti-French sentiment and political instability led to their departure.
Looking ahead, Macron suggested the region is entering a period of transformation. He predicted a political “reset” in the Sahel and expressed optimism about future governance.
“A new era is about to start,” he said. “The Sahel will one day regain normal governance,” referring to a future where democratically elected leaders return and focus on the needs of their populations.
The comments reflect France’s attempt to reposition itself as a partner rather than a dominant power in Africa, even as competition from China and other global players continues to reshape influence across the continent.
While Macron’s message emphasized cooperation and reform, his remarks also highlight ongoing tensions over history, resource control, and the future direction of Africa Europe relations.
