Can France redefine its relationship with Africa?

French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenya's President William Ruto shake hands during the "Africa Forward Summit 2026" at the Taifa Hall of the University of Nairobi, in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 11, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

When French President Emmanuel Macron took to the stage at the Africa Forward summit yesterday, the audience may not have expected a scolding.

“Hey! Hey! Hey! I’m sorry guys, but it’s impossible to … have people … coming here making a speech with such a noise,” he said. “This is a total lack of respect.”

Macron’s harsh words directed at the crowd, somewhat ironically, come as he tries to rebuild ties with Africa. The French leader met with over 30 African leaders in Nairobi on Monday as the Africa Forward summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, gets underway this week. It is the first time France has held such an event in an English-speaking nation, and it is intended to showcase a “renewed partnership” between France and Africa built not on shared colonial history, but on economic partnerships. Read more