France is investing €23 billion in Africa's private sector to challenge Chinese dominance and reassert its influence on the continent. President Macron framed the investment as a way to reset relations and position Europe as a partner for Africa's 'strategic autonomy'.

France has committed €23 billion (US$26.7 billion) to Africa’s private sector in a bid to counter Chinese dominance and rebuild its influence on the continent. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron pitched the investment as a “jolt” to reset relations, positioning Europe as a partner for Africa’s “strategic autonomy” as the geopolitical race with Beijing heats up. The move marks a major shift as Paris tries to win over anglophone countries...