In early March, President Macron traveled to Africa to visit four countries and attend the One Forest Summit. Before leaving, he explained the new approach to French-Africa relations that he has championed for the past six years, in which he seeks to begin a new chapter in our partnership.  Here are the main takeaways.

This visit is part of a larger effort that began in 2017 when President Macron delivered a milestone speech in Ouagadougou challenging France and Africa to confront the past in order to build a new future together. Six years later, France has returned artifacts to Africa, the CFA franc is in the midst of a major reform, our country has sought reconciliation with Rwanda, and we have begun working with Algeria, Cameroon and other African countries to explore our shared history.

And the context in 2023 is, on the world stage, increasingly defined by war and the return of great power politics. That raises the risk of an ever more fragmented global economy along with growing environmental, economic, health and security concerns. At the same time, Africa is poised to become a main focus of global growth.

Europe is fortunate to be Africa’s neighbor. If European nations wish to build stronger partnerships with Africa, they must be prepared to listen and learn. Two points here:

1. France is revamping its military presence in Africa in the coming months: the transformation of French military bases into either jointly managed bases or educational institutions; and a significant reduction in the number of French troops deployed in Africa. This expanded military cooperation differs greatly from the outdated competition-based approach favored by other countries. Unlike those who are pursuing their own strategic interests on the continent through the use of armed groups and mercenaries – the Wagner Group, for example – France refuses to take part in these games.
2. In another major shift, we are moving away from aid-based models to prioritizing investments in solidarity and partnership. We are not here to impose our own approach to development. This will be highlighted at the summit on a new financial pact with the Global South in Paris this June. There we will join with Africa, India and others to draft an agreement on international financial architecture to help us combat inequality and fund the climate transition.

The bottom line is that France no longer wants to be perceived only as a security actor in Africa. It’s time to focus our efforts on development – whether that be health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, or other sectors. For decades now, France and the EU have played a leading role in these areas. Now is the time to accelerate.