PARIS (BG) — French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a bold reassessment of France’s engagement with Africa, highlighting the continent’s vast potential for economic growth and innovation.
Speaking during the annual Conference of French Ambassadors at the Élysée Palace on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, Macron urged diplomats to adopt a proactive approach to fostering stronger ties with Africa.
“Africa is a continent of great emerging powers and remarkable growth potential, yet we are sometimes pulling back,” Macron said, emphasizing the need for France to adopt a more ambitious approach to its African partnerships.
A New Vision for Africa
Macron’s remarks come as France faces growing scrutiny over its historical ties to the continent, particularly in francophone Africa, where several nations have recently sought to distance themselves from French influence.
Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have either announced plans to close French military bases or demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops, signaling a shift in their security and political strategies.
These developments, Macron argued, should not be framed as France being “chased out of Africa,” but rather as an opportunity to reimagine partnerships.
He acknowledged that France had sometimes encouraged these changes, aiming for a “new partnership of security and defense” built on mutual respect and strategic collaboration.
Strategic Reinvestment Needed
Macron underscored the importance of reinvesting in key African markets and diversifying France’s focus beyond its traditional ties to francophone nations.
Highlighting Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia as examples, Macron called for greater economic engagement with Africa’s most populous and rapidly developing countries.
The French President visited Ethiopia in December 2024, marking his second trip in six years. During this visit, Macron met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss a range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including economic modernization reforms and regional security.
“France needs to view Africa as a continent of opportunities in trade, innovation, agriculture, and culture,” Macron stated.
He noted that the recent diplomatic visit by Nigeria to France—its first in 25 years—was a step in the right direction, emphasizing Nigeria’s status as a major emerging economy with over 250 million people.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s embarked on a three-day state visit to France in November 2024. The visit marked the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader to France in over two decades, underscoring a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations
Addressing Historical Relationships
Acknowledging the challenges posed by historical ties, Macron urged for a broader engagement with Africa, positioning the Maghreb as a key partner in a redefined African strategy.
He highlighted France’s strengthened partnership with Morocco, describing it as a model for joint ventures across the continent.
“We will have Franco-Moroccan projects on the African continent,” Macron said the partnership with the Maghreb can help reshape how France is perceived in Africa.
Overcoming Challenges, Call to Action
Macron admitted that shifting France’s approach to Africa would be difficult, noting resistance from nostalgic elements and entrenched interests.
However, he argued that embracing change was essential in a rapidly evolving world.
“We must rethink our financing mechanisms, take greater risks, and adopt a forward-looking strategy with our entrepreneurs to ensure France remains a relevant and trusted partner on the continent,” Macron said.
Macron’s speech, delivered during the Conference of Ambassadors, serves as a critique of France’s historical complacency and a roadmap for a new era of engagement with Africa.
By focusing on opportunities in emerging markets and redefining partnerships, Macron hopes to position France as a dynamic and reliable ally in Africa’s journey toward growth and innovation.
