NAIROBI, Kenya- French President Emmanuel Macron has urged closer cooperation between Europe and Africa, calling for both continents to reduce dependence on external powers and instead build what he termed “strategic autonomy” through investment in key sectors.
Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit held at the University of Nairobi, Macron said the future of global competitiveness will depend on how well regions invest in infrastructure, energy systems, artificial intelligence, and computing capacity.
He emphasised that Africa’s young population presents a major opportunity for global growth, but warned that this potential can only be realised if countries prioritise skills development and innovation ecosystems.
Macron also highlighted the importance of strengthening education systems across Africa, noting ongoing efforts to expand digital skills training centres and improve access to technology-driven learning opportunities.
He said talent development will be central to preparing young people for what he described as the “future economy,” increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The French leader called for deeper partnerships between African and European governments, private sector players, and research institutions, arguing that fragmented global supply chains and rising geopolitical tensions make cooperation more urgent than ever.
He further stressed that investment in energy transition projects and digital infrastructure would be critical in bridging the development gap and unlocking long-term economic resilience.
The Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi has brought together political leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to discuss investment, innovation, and sustainable development pathways for the continent.
