French investments targeting Africa is expected to place Kenya at the centre of major economic and industrial projects over the coming years. During the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a $27 billion investment package that will support infrastructure, clean energy, transport, technology and agriculture across the continent.
Kenya emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries after President William Ruto confirmed that Kenya and France had signed 11 investment agreements worth nearly Sh150 billion. The deals cover several sectors including renewable energy, logistics, digital technology, urban development and transport, areas that Kenya has been pushing to expand as part of its long-term economic growth plans.
The summit reflected a growing shift in how European countries are engaging with Africa. France said it wants to move away from traditional aid-based cooperation and instead focus on business partnerships, industrial growth and private sector investment.
Macron noted that the new approach aims to help African countries build resilient economies while also increasing trade and commercial ties between Africa and Europe.
Out of the total package, about $16.4 billion will come from French public and private institutions, while another $10.5 billion is expected through partnerships involving African and French investors. France estimates the investments could create more than 250,000 jobs across Africa and France in the coming years.
A large share of the funding will go into renewable energy and climate-related projects. Kenya is expected to benefit heavily because of its strong position in clean energy production. The country already generates more than 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy. New investments are expected to support geothermal projects, electricity transmission systems, battery storage technology and electric mobility programmes.
President William Ruto with President Emmanuel Macron of France at the Africa Forward Summit at KICC, Nairobi. Photo Courtesy/Citizen Digital
French companies are also expected to participate in Kenya’s growing electric transport sector, including electric buses and green manufacturing projects. Nairobi has increasingly positioned itself as a regional hub for clean energy and industrial innovation.
One of the major announcements made during the summit involved French shipping company CMA CGM, which plans to invest about €700 million to modernise operations at the Port of Mombasa. The project is expected to improve cargo handling, strengthen logistics systems and boost Kenya’s role as a trade gateway for East and Central Africa.
The investments are also expected to support rail transport, smart mobility systems and cleaner public transport projects in major Kenyan towns and cities.
France further announced support for artificial intelligence, data centres, innovation hubs and digital infrastructure across Africa, with Kenya expected to receive investments in fintech, AI research and fibre optic expansion.
Agriculture was also included in the agreements announced at the summit. Some of the funding will support climate-smart farming, irrigation, food processing and agricultural value addition.
Kenyan sectors such as horticulture, dairy, coffee and avocado exports are expected to benefit from the new partnerships.
The Nairobi summit came at a time when France is seeking to strengthen its influence in Africa after facing diplomatic setbacks in parts of West Africa.
Hosting the event in Kenya, the first France-Africa summit to be held in an English-speaking African country, signaled a broader strategy by France to deepen ties with fast-growing economies outside its traditional Francophone partners.
