France and Kenya Forge New Partnerships at Africa Forward Summit

African outlets highlight both the economic opportunities from new France–Africa deals and doubts about who will gain from them. Critics like Timi Frank warn that agreements announced in Nairobi may enrich political and business elites while leaving ordinary citizens behind, and some note South Africa’s absence as a sign of unease. Many expect African governments to push France for fairer terms, more local value creation and clearer respect for sovereignty before fully trusting Paris’s new approach.

• •Timi Frank warns that recent Africa–France agreements may not improve life for ordinary Africans.
• •African commentators question whether French-backed projects in Kenya and other states will create enough local jobs.
• •South Africa’s absence from the Nairobi summit is seen as a signal of caution toward France’s new Africa strategy.
• •Egypt and Chad seek to use closer trade ties with France to support their own regional influence and stability goals.
• •African leaders insist that any long-term partnership with France must respect sovereignty and avoid one-sided economic terms.