France is seeking to reshape its engagement with Africa, with its growing partnership with Kenya signalling a broader effort to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties beyond the Francophone countries that have traditionally dominated its relations on the continent.

Martin Minns, Executive Director of Panel 54, argued that the shift was highlighted by the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi in May, which France co-hosted with Kenya. The meeting marked a notable change in France’s approach, bringing its engagement more directly into an English-speaking part of the continent.

The summit placed considerable emphasis on investment, innovation and economic cooperation. According to France’s presidency, projects worth €23 billion in investments in Africa were announced, including €14 billion from French businesses and €9 billion from African investors. The commitments were projected to support more than 250,000 direct jobs in France and Africa.

Kenya has already emerged as a major beneficiary of the renewed relationship. France and Kenya signed agreements covering areas including renewable energy, digital connectivity, water management and education, while the two countries also announced wider cooperation involving transport and port infrastructure.

The development comes against the backdrop of strained relations between France and several West African countries in recent years. French military forces have withdrawn from a number of former partners in the region, while governments in parts of the Sahel have increasingly stressed national sovereignty and sought alternative international partnerships.

France’s new approach also comes as African countries push for greater influence over investment, natural resources and economic policy. The Nairobi summit’s focus on partnerships and private investment points to an effort by Paris to build relationships around these changing priorities rather than retreat from the continent.

The long-term impact of the strategy remains uncertain, but France’s renewed focus on Kenya and East Africa points to a significant adjustment in how it is seeking to maintain its economic and diplomatic presence across Africa.