France intends to preserve, or even regain, its trade influence in Africa by focusing on a more proactive strategy of supporting businesses and diversifying its sectors, in a context of increased competition. Paris wants to reposition its offering around “equal” economic partnerships, centered on productive investment, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, rather than solely on official development assistance.

A Declining Trade Influence

According to French authorities, France’s market share in trade with Africa has been declining for over a decade, to the benefit of new, more commercially aggressive partners. French companies remain present in key sectors (banking, telecommunications, construction, energy, transportation), but must contend with competition offering faster financing and integrated solutions.

• China, Turkey, India, and the Gulf States are multiplying infrastructure, factory, and logistics corridor projects across the continent.
• This shift gives African states more room for negotiation and encourages them to diversify their partners.

Paris’s New Approach

Faced with this realignment, France asserts that it “will not back down” and intends to strengthen its economic diplomacy strategy towards Africa. The Élysée Palace and the government advocate for an approach that combines export support, co-investments, and integration into regional African dynamics (AfCFTA, logistics hubs, emerging economies).

Official statements emphasize an “update” of the African strategy, with a focus on the economy, entrepreneurship, and cultural and creative industries. Embassies are called upon to play a more proactive role in supporting French SMEs and mid-sized companies seeking to establish themselves in African markets.

Targeted Sectors as Levers of Influence

To preserve its commercial footprint, France prioritizes sectors where its companies possess recognized expertise and can be integrated into African development plans. This approach aims to create lasting links between European and African value chains.

• Infrastructure, energy (including renewables), transportation, sustainable cities, and digital technologies are among the stated priorities.
• Countries like Morocco are seen as industrial and logistical platforms for expanding into sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, and green hydrogen sectors.

Geopolitical Reconfiguration and the Battle of Narratives

This commercial strategy is part of a broader geopolitical reconfiguration where Africa is becoming an arena of competition between established and emerging powers. For Paris, preserving its influence also means changing its narrative: moving from a contested postcolonial relationship to a partnership presented as mutually beneficial, focused on job creation and local added value.

• The Africa-France summit planned for Nairobi in 2026 must include this repositioning around the economy, private investment, and diasporas.
• At the same time, France is seeking to position itself within a broader European framework, as the EU remains Africa’s primary trading partner but is compelled to offer more attractive proposals.

What are the implications for African countries?

For African countries, this French desire to maintain its commercial influence represents both an opportunity and a test. It offers the possibility of creating competition among offers (French, European, Chinese, Gulf, etc.) in order to secure more technology transfers, local content, and financing better aligned with their national priorities.

• The challenge for African capitals will be to transform these commercial rivalries into transformative projects: industrialization, upgrading of services, regional integration, and support for the local private sector.
• Ultimately, the credibility of the “new” French policy in Africa will be judged on concrete achievements: factories created, local jobs, infrastructure provided and the quality of partnerships established with African actors.

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