France Seeks Stronger Partnership with Africa at Nairobi Summit

Mr. Nicolas Forissier, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, says France is eager to build a win-win partnership with Africa to secure a more reliable future for younger and unborn generations.

Forissier spoke on the sidelines of the 2026 Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, themed: “Africa Forward: Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation and Growth.”

Forissier described the summit as a success, saying the attendance surpassed expectations. According to him, organisers projected between 3,000 and 4,000 participants, but over 7,000 people attended the business forum alone, including African and French chief executives.

He said the summit was attended by high-level individuals as well as many companies, providing great opportunities for business contacts to be made.

“I must say I was very impressed by the unique spirit and enthusiasm displayed throughout the summit. Real friendship was formed and willingness to build together, and I got many contacts that I will follow up on as part of my job, so it is a success,” he said.

On investments, Forissier revealed a total package of 23 billion euros, with the French side contributing 14 billion euros and the African side 9 billion euros. He noted that key investment areas in Africa include infrastructure, transport, energy, health, agriculture, the food industry, and digital technology, adding that Africa is projected to double its population within the next 20 years.

The minister reaffirmed France’s commitment to collaborating with African youth to build a sustainable legacy for future generations. “We have to work and multiply the meetings.

Part of my job is to build partnerships, as we are not here to sell, but by implementing these partnerships, we will create job opportunities and activities for both continents because it is beneficial to all parties,” he said.

Also speaking on the sidelines of the summit, President of Dangote Industries, Mr. Aliko Dangote, announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was undergoing a major expansion, from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, with completion expected by 2028.

“We are working at full capacity. The refinery is heading towards 700,000 barrels per day currently in Nigeria, and we are going to 1.4 million barrels per day, which will be completed in 2028. We are also doing petrochemical expansion and others as well,” he said.

Dangote disclosed that discussions were already underway with several African countries, noting that once agreements are signed, the refinery — alongside a million tonnes of polypropylene capacity — would commence operations this year. He stressed the importance of African countries developing their own refining infrastructure, warning against the continent’s continued dependence on exporting raw crude and importing refined products.

“We export 100 percent of all our crude and then we import, so we are always at the mercy of the market, and it is not good. When you export, you get five to 20 percent of the value and then end up sweating to go and import the finished product. We want to stop that — not only in refining but in many other sectors,” he said.

Dangote also highlighted the hardship facing African farmers, noting that fertilizer prices had nearly doubled, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to afford essential inputs. He added that most governments, already heavily indebted, could no longer sustain subsidies on farm inputs.

He further called for a diplomatic resolution between Iran and the United States, warning that the ongoing tensions were having severe economic consequences globally.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was attended by French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron, Kenyan President Mr. William Ruto, African heads of state and government, chief executive officers, and captains of industry. A 23 billion euros investment package, aimed at reshaping France-Africa economic relations, was announced during the two-day event.

Credit NAN: Texts Excluding Headlines.