French President Emmanuel Macron said Turkey has overtaken France as a major influencer on the African continent.
This admission marks a significant shift in how France views its historical role in Africa. The acknowledgment suggests a transition from a period of post-colonial dominance to a more competitive landscape where traditional powers must vie for partnerships.
Macron spoke during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he addressed the changing dynamics of international relations. He said that France’s influence in Africa has been declining over the past 25 years [1]. This decline is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend of shifting global alliances.
According to Macron, the current environment reflects increased global competition. He said that Turkey, China, the U.S., and African actors themselves are securing more projects and partnerships across the continent [1]. This diversification of partners allows African nations to seek infrastructure and security deals that may offer different terms than those previously provided by France.
Turkey's rise as a leading external partner is a central point of this shift. By expanding its diplomatic and economic footprint, Turkey has established a presence that now rivals or exceeds that of the French state in several regions. Macron said that this trend is part of a wider systemic change in how external powers engage with the continent.
The French leader's comments highlight a need for France to redefine its strategic approach to African diplomacy. Rather than relying on historical ties, the administration must now compete with emerging powers that leverage aggressive investment and trade strategies to gain leverage.
“France’s influence in Africa has been declining over the past 25 years”
This admission signals a formal recognition by the French government that the era of 'Françafrique'—the sphere of influence France maintained over its former colonies—has effectively ended. The rise of Turkey, alongside China and the US, indicates a multipolar shift in African geopolitics where economic pragmatism and new strategic partnerships are replacing old colonial dependencies.
