Nairobi: France is strengthening its partnership with Africa to boost the continent’s economy and advance business growth, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said. Barrot made this statement at the Africa Forward Inspire and Connect Business Summit held from May 11 to May 12 in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit is co-organised by the governments of France and Kenya, with the theme: ‘Africa Forward: Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation and Growth.’ Barrot highlighted that more than 2,000 African and European business leaders, investors, and public decision-makers are attending the summit.
He emphasized that under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron over the past decade, France has transformed its relationship with African countries into a mutually beneficial partnership built on shared responsibility. “We have created new bonds and expanded cooperation in sectors such as Green Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), health, culture, and industry. France has also strengthened partnerships with Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, Angola, and Kenya. We believe in Africa not only as the continent of the future but as a continent already shaping global culture and driving the global economy,” he said.
Barrot further noted that Africa possesses the innovation and potential needed to thrive in the 21st century, adding that many of the world’s best ideas and start-ups would emerge from the continent.
Also speaking at the summit, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Executive Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, pointed out that Africa’s challenge was not a lack of potential but inadequate coordinated execution and long-term capital support. Rabiu stressed the need for affordable long-term financing, stating that inconsistent policies discouraged investment and weakened investors’ confidence. “When the private sector is empowered, it delivers, and when partnerships are built on execution, transformation happens,” he said. Rabiu shared his experience in building industries and infrastructure in challenging environments while creating jobs and supporting millions of consumers across Africa. He reiterated, “One thing is clear: Africa does not lack potential; it lacks coordinated execution and long-term capital support.”
In his remarks, Phillip Gautier, Chief Executive Officer of MEDEF International, stated that the partnership between Africa, France, and Europe was anchored on entrepreneurship, innovation, and shared growth.