Post by Henry Emeka (@Emekus)

These investments could benefit parts of Africa, but they will not automatically benefit all 54 African continents — and history shows there is a real risk of repeating old patterns of exploitation if African governments don’t control the terms.

What the summit actually promised
France announced €23 billion in investments across Africa, aimed at energy, AI, and agriculture. Kenyan President William Ruto insisted the partnership must be based on sovereign equality, not exploitation.

That is the official message.

But the honest truth requires looking at the history behind these promises.

Why many Africans doubt the sincerity
France has a long record of economic control (Françafrique)
For decades, France maintained deep political, military, and economic influence over its former colonies. Even after independence, French systems remained in place, including the CFA franc monetary zone, which many scholars describe as inherently unequal and rooted in exploitative practices.

French corporations have historically extracted resources
Reports show French companies have controlled oil, uranium, ports, and other strategic assets for decades, often leaving behind pollution, poverty, and corruption. Even today, mines and oil operations continue to damage communities.

France is now losing influence — and wants to keep a foothold
France has been pushed out of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and even withdrew troops from Senegal. This pressure is forcing Paris to “rethink” its strategy to avoid losing all influence.

This context explains why many Africans fear the new investments may simply be a new face on an old system

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/french-president-announces-billions-in-african-investments-at-summit-focused-on-partnership/ar-AA230Ym2?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=4e53b9917a284c60f90b0146ec20eb02&ei=9

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