Emmanuel Macron has called for stronger technology and innovation partnerships between Africa and Europe, saying both regions must reduce their dependence on technologies developed in the United States and China.
Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday, Macron said Africa and Europe share similar challenges in building independent digital and technological systems.
The French president spoke during a youth engagement session at the University of Nairobi alongside William Ruto.
“A lot of solutions are made in the US or made in China,” Macron said. “A lot of us today are consumers. So, I think we have a common fight, a common battle together of investment, which is to build our strategic autonomy for Europe and Africa.”
Macron stressed that stronger investment in energy and infrastructure is necessary for Africa and Europe to compete in artificial intelligence and digital technology.
“No chance to build any AI infrastructure and computing capacities without energy,” he said, while calling for greater investment in renewable and other energy sources.
The French president also announced plans to deepen cooperation between French and African universities and expand digital skills training across the continent.
According to Macron, Orange Digital Centers plans to help train one million young Africans by 2030 through the creation of 50 new digital centres.
President Ruto said Kenya is continuing to invest in programmes designed to prepare young people for future industries and global technology opportunities.
“Our youth are the present and the future, and we are committed to laying the supportive foundation they need to transform their ideas into solutions for our diverse challenges,” Ruto said.
He also highlighted a partnership between Kenya and France to establish the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex, which he described as an important research centre for Kenya and the wider region.
The two-day Africa Forward Summit, jointly hosted by Kenya and France, has brought together African leaders, global business executives, technology innovators, and development organisations to discuss trade, industrial growth, infrastructure, and investment opportunities across the continent.
Antonio Guterres is among the international leaders attending the summit.
Other African leaders present include Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Brice Oligui Nguema, Julius Maada Bio, Joseph Boakai, and Alassane Ouattara.
Aziz Akhannouch and Navinchandra Ramgoolam are also participating.
Organisers said more than 30 African heads of state and government are expected to attend the summit, which focuses on strengthening industrial partnerships, increasing investment, and accelerating infrastructure and technology development across Africa.
