Macron Says Africa’s Youth and Rapid Growth Make It a Strategic Investment Destination

Emmanuel Macron has described Africa as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent, calling for stronger investment partnerships to help the continent build economic sovereignty and reduce dependence on global powers.

Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, the French president said Africa and Europe face similar challenges in technology, artificial intelligence, energy and talent development, and should work together to create homegrown solutions.

The summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya, brought together more than 2,000 African and European business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation.

Macron said the event began with conversations with young Africans about their ambitions and innovations, noting that France was prepared to make “smart investments” that would create opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.

According to him, both Africa and Europe remain overly dependent on countries such as the United States and China for technological solutions, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

“If we work together, we will be much stronger,” Macron said.

He stressed that infrastructure development cannot happen without reliable energy and urged greater investment in renewable and nuclear power to expand electricity access for homes and businesses across Africa.

Macron also highlighted talent retention as a critical issue, saying African countries must strengthen educational systems and create jobs that encourage skilled young people to build their futures at home rather than abroad.

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As part of France’s commitment, Orange S.A. plans to establish 50 digital centres across Africa to train one million young people by 2030.

He added that the Digital Africa programme would continue to connect startups and innovation ecosystems across the continent.

Meanwhile, Proparco announced that it had committed more than €4.6 billion to African projects between 2022 and 2025, with over €500 million in new agreements signed during the summit, including partnerships with Ecobank Group to strengthen agricultural value chains and support women entrepreneurs.

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