France is making a comeback attempt in Africa, but this time with a checkbook instead of a military uniform.

President Emmanuel Macron is currently in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, where he just announced a $27 billion investment package for the continent. This comes as France faces a major decline in influence across West Africa, particularly after withdrawing troops from Mali and Niger.

What stands out here is the change in strategy, as the country is moving away from its old colonial-sphere focus to compete directly with China and the U.S. for new partnerships.

President Emmanuel Macron announced a $27 billion investment package for Africa during a summit in Nairobi. The funding combines $16.4 billion from French institutions with $10.6 billion from African investors to boost energy, digital technology, agriculture, and maritime sectors.

The program aims to create 250,000 jobs while resetting relations following military withdrawals from the Sahel. Macron positioned Europe as a stable partner, criticizing China’s "predatory" approach to strategic minerals.

He also emphasized that the return of colonial-era African artworks is now unstoppable as France shifts toward economic and cultural diplomacy.

🇳🇬 Nigeria sells $578 million worth of crude to the world's largest consumer market

The U.S. spent $578.78 million on Nigerian crude in early 2026, a 15% drop from last year. Import volumes fell as Nigeria faced competition from Libya and Ghana.

While Nigeria remains a top supplier, its share of African oil exports to the U.S. crashed from 61% to 34% following local pipeline leaks.

🇪🇬 Egyptian billionaire and co-owner of Aston Villa leads negotiations to buy a French soccer team

Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris is in talks to buy a majority stake in the French football club FC Annecy. Through his company, V Sports, Sawiris aims to add the team to a global portfolio that already includes Aston Villa, Spain’s Real Union, and Japan’s Vissel Kobe.

The deal would allow young players to gain experience in France.

🇰🇪 Dangote keeps Kenya refinery plans alive but imposes tough investment terms

Aliko Dangote says he will only build a $17 billion refinery in Kenya if regional governments pass strong anti-dumping laws. He warns that without protections against cheap, subsidized imports, local plants cannot survive.

If an agreement is reached, construction in Mombasa could begin this year, modeled after his record-breaking Nigerian facility.

5 commercial African cities with the lowest climate index

Numbeo’s Climate Index (scaled -100 to +100) measures how comfortable a city is based on heat, humidity, and weather extremes.

A lower score reflects harsher conditions that increase cooling costs and strain infrastructure, though these hubs remain vital economic engines.

Source: Numbeo

🇰🇪 France lands $1bn Kenya deals as it signals African return amid Sahel setbacks

France signed 11 agreements worth over $1 billion with Kenya to deepen ties as its influence declines in the Sahel.

A key focus is modernizing Nairobi’s commuter rail to move 30,000 people per hour. The deals also cover the blue economy, maritime governance, and infrastructure.

This shift marks a strategic move toward economic diplomacy beyond France’s traditional Francophone partnerships.

🇳🇬 Strait of Hormuz closure has become a "payday" for Africa's richest man as fortune swells over $35 billion

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has boosted Aliko Dangote’s fortune to over $35 billion as global supply disruptions increase refining margins.

With fertilizer and jet fuel prices doubling, his Lagos refinery has become a critical alternative supply source.

Dangote now plans to more than double capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within 30 months to rival global industry leaders.

South Africa is a major leader in platinum production accounting for about 70% to 80% of the global supply. This makes the country the most critical player in the global shift to clean energy, as platinum is the key ingredient needed for hydrogen fuel cells and green technology.