Nairobi: French President Emmanuel Macron was in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, where he announced investments totaling £23 billion aimed at boosting the continent's economic development. Macron stated that the investments could potentially create over 250,000 direct jobs in both France and Africa, with £14 billion coming from French donors and the rest from African investors. He expressed gratitude to the companies represented at the event and praised the 'very concrete' results.
According to Ghana News Agency, the funds are to be primarily directed toward initiatives in energy transition, digitalization, and agriculture. The summit, attended by thirty state leaders including UN Secretary General Ant³nio Guterres, aimed to foster a new partnership model between Africa and France, emphasizing increased investment over traditional development aid. The focus is on direct investment, equity stakes, loans, guarantees, and grants for projects. This initiative is intended to symbolize a paradigm shift in France's Africa policy announced by Macron, moving away from colonial-style relations towards a more equal partnership.