1. Emmanuel Macron redefines France’s africa policy in Nairobi
Key takeaways. President Emmanuel Macron outlined a significant shift in France’s Africa policy during an extensive interview preceding the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi (May 11-12). He unequivocally stated that the traditional paradigm of public development aid is obsolete. “We are no longer operating within an aid-centric framework,” he declared, advocating instead for a model of “solidarity investment.” This message was primarily directed at private markets, which he believes are hindered by unfavorable credit ratings and an exaggerated perception of risk on the continent.
Event highlights. The Nairobi summit, marking the first Franco-African series held outside West Africa, convened approximately thirty heads of state, with Kenyan President William Ruto co-hosting. Macron announced an impressive 23 billion euros in investment intentions, with 14 billion euros originating from France (combining public and private sectors). Proparco, the private sector arm of the AFD, committed 500 million euros, representing nearly 50% of its annual African allocation in a single day.
Strategic pivot. The French president swiftly dismissed the Sahelian issue – “no offense” – yet the choice of Nairobi speaks volumes. Following diplomatic ruptures with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Paris is clearly reorienting its focus towards Anglophone East Africa. President Ruto benefits from this alliance a year before Kenya’s presidential elections, while Macron seeks a credible partner to champion the reform of the international financial architecture at the upcoming G7 summit in June.
The numbers. Official development assistance from OECD countries has plummeted by over a third in two years. France, specifically, has reduced its allocation by approximately 2 billion euros. Macron intends to fill this void with private capital, a strategy whose tangible results are yet to be fully demonstrated.
2. “we must no longer wait to be swindled”: africa ceo forum calls for continental private sector growth
Forum insights. The 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum commenced in Kigali with the urgent theme “scale or fail.” Addressing 2,800 decision-makers and eight heads of state, the consensus was clear: Africa’s national markets are too fragmented, intra-African trade remains insufficient, and the continent must cease its uncoordinated approach to economic development.
Why it matters. This issue is fundamental. Without continental champions capable of asserting influence on the global stage, Africa risks remaining an exporter of raw potential – minerals, talent, capital – rather than capturing the inherent value. Eight years after its launch, the AfCFTA project is still incomplete, plagued by persistent regulatory barriers, high logistical costs, and marginal intra-African trade volumes.
President Kagame’s statement. Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a sharp critique: “On one hand, they lecture us on human rights, and on the other, they come to take our minerals. We must no longer wait to be swindled.”
3. Paul Biya’s vice president: enduring silence and a growing list of contenders in Cameroon
Current situation. The decree re-establishing Cameroon’s vice-presidency has been promulgated, yet the position remains unfilled. In Yaoundé, speculation is rife, with a lengthening list of potential candidates including Paul Atanga Nji, Louis-Paul Motaze, Philémon Yang, and Oswald Baboké, as President Paul Biya delays his decision.
The impasse. Franck Biya, the president’s son, was reportedly slated for appointment immediately following the April decree, with his first official act being to welcome Pope Leo XIV. A press release was prepared for broadcast on CRTV but was never issued. Our sources indicate that Chantal Biya intervened at the last minute, favoring her own son, Franck Hertz. Behind the evolving list of names, the ongoing succession struggle for the presidency unfolds in the shadows.
4. Senegal’s constitutional reform: potential gains for Ousmane Sonko
Understanding the changes. A preliminary draft of constitutional amendments, made public on April 27, suggests a redistribution of power within the Senegalese executive that would largely benefit Ousmane Sonko. Two critical changes are proposed: the president would now be required to determine national policy “in consultation” with the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister would gain an independent right to refer matters to the future Constitutional Court, separate from presidential approval. Furthermore, President Faye would be prohibited from leading a political party or campaigning, while Sonko would retain full autonomy to remain at the helm of Pastef.
Institutional implications. The institutional risk is significant. Article 49 remains unchanged, meaning President Faye could still dismiss Prime Minister Sonko at any moment. However, should the visible tensions between the two men escalate to such a scenario, Senegal would face an unprecedented cohabitation: a constitutionally strengthened leader of the parliamentary majority forced into opposition from the prime minister’s office.
5. Philippe Lalliot: France’s new ambassador to Morocco
Macron’s selection. Philippe Lalliot, 60, is set to succeed Christophe Lecourtier as France’s ambassador to Morocco – a decision personally made by President Macron. Lalliot, a career diplomat from the Quai d’Orsay and current director of the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS), brings a crisis management profile rather than a political one, aligning with France’s updated approach to Rabat.
Dual challenges. Lalliot inherits a bilateral relationship that is warming but still incomplete, with a friendship treaty under negotiation and no official date for King Mohammed VI’s state visit to France. Economically, the foundation is substantial: France accounts for nearly 30% of total foreign direct investment stock in Morocco. Paris is eager to accelerate engagement, while Rabat proceeds deliberately, step by step.
