France seeks to move beyond colonial ties by meeting African leaders in Kenya
France's president is hosting a summit in Kenya to meet African leaders from beyond the country's former colonies. Talks are focused on trade, critical minerals, climate finance and migration files.
Leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt joined the high-level meeting in Nairobi. The French government said it wants to redefine its presence on the continent through economic and technological partnerships. The opening address stressed a "respectful, balanced partnership."
Critical minerals were a major item on the agenda. French companies are seeking new agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Mozambique on cobalt and nickel for electric vehicle batteries. Governments are also working on co-investment funds for AI data centres and renewable energy projects.
As the historic Françafrique sphere of influence recedes, Paris is courting new partners in East and Southern Africa. With China's infrastructure push and Russia's military footprint sharpening the competition, the visit lays the ground for the upcoming Africa-EU summit.
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