THE OLD COLONIAL POWERS ARE SEEKING TO RE-SET THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH AFRICA
As Africa is courted by new suitors, with China financing major new infrastructure projects, Russia establishing security partnerships, Gulf nations buying land for agriculture, and Turkey expanding bi-lateral trade, the former colonial powers are rethinking their approach to the continent.
In October 2021, France, perhaps the most entrenched European power in Africa, held the Africa-France Summit (previous editions have been called the ‘France- Africa Summit’). However, this latest edition diverged from the previous ones in much more than name only. At the 2021 summit, France emphasised its ambition to renew the foundations of its relationship with Africa, by putting young people and civil society at the centre. For the first time since 1973, no African heads of states were invited; instead, nearly 3,000 people from across the continent and the diaspora gathered.
By moving away from a more traditional model, France is effectively shifting its strategy to adjust to new African dynamics and appeal to the urbanized, world-conscious and politicized younger Africans. Against the background of Europe’s waning influence on the continent, a growing challenge to the old colonial narrative about Africa’s history, and a politically active youth, a profound reset of internal dynamics in African society and politics is underway. But, building new relations with Africa based on fairness and mutual respect requires both parties to address past mistakes, including complacency and denial. It will take both sides realism, courage, and creativity to reform Franco-African relations.
The time has come to reverse the pattern of partnership among unequals, largely based on customs and habits rather than on strategy and innovation, and to move towards a new approach based on the understanding and respect of each side’s interests. Africa needs more business partnerships and more trade, and fewer humanitarian missions and aid. Africa wants to end baby-sitting and to start walking without assistance.
A new generation of young Africans committed to change, dignity and self-reliance is rising both on the continent and in its diaspora. Considering that almost 60% of the African population is under 25, Africa’s young people must be acknowledged as a formidable asset. France seems to have understood that a new, self-confident and assertive Africa is emerging.
