Macron, who chaired the two-day summit focused on revitalizing France’s relationship with Africa, declared that Europe is advancing «a strategy of autonomy» for both continents.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for increased investment in Africa on Monday as he co-chaired an economic summit in Kenya, defending Europe’s role on the continent.
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During his speech at the University of Nairobi, the European leader emphasized that Africa requires investment to enhance its sovereignty, replacing aid with genuine economic opportunities.
Macron stated in French that, in the past, European officials lectured African leaders on their needs, but «this no longer aligns with what Africa requires or wants to hear.»
«Fortunately, we no longer possess the means, to be frank,» he added.
Before the summit, in an interview granted to Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, the French President recalled his firm condemnation of colonialism upon taking office in 2017.
However, he noted that Africa’s ongoing challenges cannot be attributed solely to the colonial period.
«It is crucial not to absolve the seven decades following independence from all accountability,» he pointed out, urging African leaders to focus on strengthening governance.
Former colonial powers in Europe, like France and the UK, continue to face criticism in Africa; however, Macron insisted they are not «the predators of this century.»
«Europe supports the international order, effective multilateralism, the rule of law, and free, open trade,» he was reported saying.
Conversely, the United States and China are engaged in a trade conflict that disregards established rules, he added.
Regarding critical minerals and rare earth elements, Macron stated that China «functions with a predatory approach: it processes resources domestically,» which builds «dependencies with other countries.»
Macron, at the helm of the two-day summit focused on revitalizing France’s relations with Africa following years of tension with its former colonies, said Europe promotes «a strategy of autonomy» for both continents.
A fundamental aspect of changing Africa’s trajectory involves reforming international finance, establishing financial guarantees that attract private investment, he stated.
A new chapter?
France pulled its troops out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after military coups took place in those nations between 2020 and 2023.
When questioned about the military juntas, Macron responded: «I am convinced that these states and their leaders, even coup-makers, should be given the space to determine their own futures.»
Nonetheless, he justified France’s military presence in the Sahel region, noting it was deployed upon request to combat jihadist threats.
«When our presence was no longer welcomed following the coups, we withdrew,» he explained. «This was not a humiliation, but a logical outcome given the circumstances.»
«A new era is commencing. The Sahel will, one day, return to a state of normal governance with democratically elected leaders who truly prioritize their people,» he concluded.
Fuentes adicionales • AFP