France Plans 2026 Africa Summit in Nairobi Amid Shifting Alliances and Waning Influence in Francophone Africa
France is preparing to host the next Africa-France Summit in 2026, with Nairobi, Kenya, named as the likely venue for the high-level gathering. While specific details such as the exact date and venue are yet to be confirmed, French and African officials have begun outlining key themes for the event, with artificial intelligence and digital innovation expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
This summit comes at a time of notable strain between France and several African countries, particularly in West Africa, where a wave of anti-French sentiment has surged in recent years. Once seen as France’s traditional sphere of influence, a number of West African nations have expelled French troops, cancelled defense agreements, and publicly criticized Paris over its perceived neocolonial posture and lack of respect for African sovereignty.
Recent political transitions in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have seen military-led governments pivot toward new alliances — including greater engagement with Russia, China, Türkiye, and regional blocs — in an apparent move to reduce dependence on France and Western powers. Analysts suggest these shifts reflect a broader desire across the continent to redefine international partnerships and assert greater autonomy over national and regional development.
France’s colonial legacy continues to cast a long shadow over its relations with many African states. Critics argue that post-independence ties have often been marked by economic and political arrangements that favored French interests, fueling resentment among younger generations and civil society movements that demand more equitable cooperation.
Hosting the upcoming summit in Nairobi — a country outside the historical Francophone sphere — may signal an attempt by Paris to reset its approach to Africa and expand its diplomatic outreach beyond its former colonies. Kenya, seen as a rising regional powerhouse with a vibrant tech sector, provides a strategic platform for future-oriented discussions on issues such as AI, green energy, and economic transformation.
French officials have not yet released a formal program for the summit.
Whether this summit will succeed in repairing France’s strained image in parts of the continent remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Africa is rapidly evolving — and old alliances are being reevaluated in the face of a new geopolitical landscape.