French President Emmanuel Macron began an African tour on Saturday that includes Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, in a move reflecting Paris’ efforts to reposition its political and economic influence across Africa following years of declining influence in parts of West Africa.
Macron started the tour in Cairo, where he is holding talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the war in the Middle East and maritime security in the Red Sea.
According to the Élysée Palace, the visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between France and Egypt. Macron and Sisi are also expected to inaugurate the new campus of Senghor University in Alexandria’s Borg El Arab district, a francophone academic institution specializing in African development and considered a key element of France’s cultural presence in Africa.
The visit comes as France intensifies diplomatic efforts linked to international maritime security, especially in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, amid French and British discussions about establishing a maritime coalition to safeguard global trade routes and shipping lanes.
Macron is then expected to travel to Nairobi to attend the France-Africa summit titled “Africa Forward,” where he will meet Kenyan President William Ruto. The summit is expected to result in several economic, trade, and defense agreements between the two countries.
Discussions at the summit will focus on investment, clean energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and economic cooperation, as France seeks to redefine its relationship with Africa after political and military setbacks in the Sahel and West Africa.
Since 2020, countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have witnessed military coups that weakened French influence, led to the expulsion of French troops, and coincided with growing Russian involvement in the region.
Observers say Macron’s latest tour reflects a broader shift in French strategy — moving away from its traditional focus on former French-speaking colonies toward broader partnerships with emerging economic and political powers in East Africa.
France is also seeking to expand its economic presence on the continent amid increasing competition from China, Gulf states, Turkey, and Russia, with a particular emphasis on clean energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
Macron will conclude his African tour in Addis Ababa, where he is scheduled to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and visit the headquarters of the African Union for talks on peace and security issues alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres.