African and French leaders have agreed to deepen economic cooperation and boost investment opportunities aimed at accelerating development across Africa, during a high-level summit held in Nairobi under the Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnership for Innovation and Growth Summit.
The meeting brought together Heads of State and Government, senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and investors.
Key discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology, agriculture, health, artificial intelligence (AI), the blue economy, and industrial development.
Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the summit, where he underscored the importance of ensuring Africa’s natural resources are properly managed and effectively used to drive inclusive economic transformation.
Dr. Nchemba said the summit provided a valuable platform for Africa and France to strengthen mutual cooperation and ensure shared benefits from investment and innovation partnerships.
He emphasized that Africa has abundant resources capable of transforming its economies if properly utilized and managed.
“The main goal is to fight poverty and create sustainable employment opportunities, especially for young people and women,” he said.
He further noted that many of the areas discussed at the summit align with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 development priorities, particularly in industrialization, innovation, and human capital development.
“All the key priorities in our development vision have been reflected in the discussions held today,” he added.
Kenya’s President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, called on African countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and regional cooperation, stressing the need for Africa to take a stronger position in shaping global economic systems.
He said Africa must move away from overdependence on foreign aid and instead focus on building strong internal economic systems.
“Africa must no longer remain on the margins of global decision-making. It is time for the continent to take its rightful place as an equal partner,” said President Ruto.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Africa’s rapid development progress, noting that the continent is increasingly becoming a source of solutions to global challenges rather than merely a recipient of assistance.
He announced a major investment package worth USD 27 billion to be directed into African economies, focusing on energy, AI, agriculture, and the blue economy.
“This investment will contribute to the creation of around 250,000 jobs across Africa and in France,” Macron said.
He also encouraged African investors to explore opportunities in France, highlighting the importance of two-way economic cooperation.
“We are not only investing in Africa; we also welcome African businesses to invest in France,” he said.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that Africa’s resources must primarily benefit its people, calling for fair and inclusive development systems.
“Africa is rich in resources, and its people must be the first to benefit from them,” he said.
The summit is expected to strengthen long-term partnerships between Africa and France while supporting job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
