Africa refashions relations with the West
This week鈥檚 Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, Kenya, signals both continuity and change 鈥� or, to put it differently, continuing change in perceptions of the continent鈥檚 opportunities and abilities to decisively shape its future.
Co-hosted by Kenya and France, the May 11-12 event has drawn some 30 heads of state and 7,000 government and business representatives to the East African capital city. Discussions are focused on investment (in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and infrastructure) and on ways to reform international trade and finance systems to address indebtedness and unlock capital flows.
In opening remarks, Kenyan President William Ruto consigned the era of 鈥渁id, dependency, and unsustainable borrowing鈥� to the past, calling for 鈥渁 new paradigm grounded in investment, innovation, ... [and] partnerships built on sovereign equality and mutual benefit.鈥�
鈥淟et鈥檚 take a leap together鈥� into 鈥渆qual partnership,鈥� his co-host, French President Emmanuel Macron, urged, announcing the mobilization of 鈧�23 billion ($27 billion) of investment from French and African companies. Since taking office in 2017, Mr. Macron has sought to reinvent the former colonial power鈥檚 relationships with African countries, having visited almost 20 鈥� more than any previous French president. 鈥淗e loves the energy, the creativity, the optimism there,鈥� a former classmate and adviser told Le Monde.
Such recognition of the continent鈥檚 dynamism and drive marks a subtle and necessary shift in long-held attitudes toward Africa. While it might not yet be evident in other Western capitals, Mr. Macron could be setting an example for national self-reflection and a willingness to forge new relationships based on two-way respect and regard.
When such qualities imbue diplomatic and economic outreach, they are more likely to strengthen trust and cooperation. In an era of major geopolitical uncertainty, France and many African nations are increasingly aligned on the need for upholding a stable and dependable world order. During the summit, Mr. Macron noted a common interest in building 鈥渟trategic autonomy鈥� for Europe and Africa, remarking, 鈥淚f we build it together, we will be much stronger.鈥�
Despite France鈥檚 fraught history in West and North Africa, some Africa observers are expectant of transformation and progress. Foreign investment can bring exploitation alongside 鈥渘eeded infrastructure, jobs, expertise and financing,鈥� pointed out Kelvin Ndunga in an op-ed in a Turkish paper this week. But improving continental cooperation and 鈥渂uilding internal systems鈥� to frame equitable partnerships can help counter the risks, he noted.
As veteran journalist Yinka Adegoke observed in Semafor Africa on Monday, 鈥淭he conversation [in Nairobi] is less about the French reclaiming influence in Africa ... than about African countries widening their options.鈥� More such options are key to unlocking meaningful progress on a continent where 60% of inhabitants are under 25 years of age.
