This week brought significant developments across the African continent, from high-level diplomatic engagements and crucial economic forums to complex internal political shifts. Here’s a concise overview of the key events that shaped the landscape:

1. Emmanuel Macron concludes over a decade of African policy with a Nairobi pivot

Key takeaway. French President Emmanuel Macron outlined a significant shift in his administration’s approach to Africa ahead of the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi (May 11-12). He unequivocally stated that public development aid, as a traditional paradigm, is obsolete. Instead, Macron champions a model of “solidarity investment,” directly challenging private markets to overcome perceived excessive risk and unfavorable credit ratings that have historically hindered engagement.

What transpired. The Nairobi summit, marking the first Franco-African gathering held outside West Africa, convened approximately thirty heads of state, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto. Macron announced investment pledges totaling 23 billion euros, with France contributing 14 billion euros from both public and private sectors. Proparco, the private sector arm of the AFD, notably committed 500 million euros in a single day, representing nearly half of its annual African allocation.

A profound realignment. Macron briefly addressed the Sahel region, stating “no offense,” yet the choice of Nairobi speaks volumes. Following diplomatic ruptures with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Paris is clearly reorienting its focus towards Anglophone East Africa. President Ruto benefits from this alliance a year before Kenya’s presidential elections, while Macron seeks a credible partner to advance reforms of the international financial architecture at the upcoming G7 summit in June.

The numbers. Official Development Assistance (ODA) from OECD countries has plummeted by over a third in two years. France alone reduced its allocation by approximately 2 billion euros. Macron aims to fill this void with private capital, a strategy whose tangible results are yet to be fully demonstrated.

2. “We must no longer wait to be swindled”: Africa CEO Forum urges African private sector to scale up

What you need to know. The 13th Africa CEO Forum commenced in Kigali, under the compelling theme of “scale or fail.” Addressing 2,800 decision-makers and eight heads of state, the message was clear: national African markets are too fragmented, intra-African trade remains insufficient, and the continent must cease its uncoordinated approach.

Why this matters. The challenge is systemic. Without continental champions capable of asserting influence on the global stage, Africa risks remaining an exporter of raw potential—minerals, talent, capital—rather than capturing its inherent value. Eight years after its launch, the AfCFTA project remains incomplete, plagued by persistent regulatory barriers, high logistical costs, and still marginal intra-African trade.

A notable quote. Rwandan President Paul Kagame declared: “On one hand, they lecture us on human rights, and on the other, they come to take our minerals. We must no longer wait to be swindled.”

3. Paul Biya’s vice-presidency: a prolonged silence and a growing list of contenders

What you need to know. While the decree re-establishing the Cameroonian vice-presidency has been promulgated, the office remains vacant. In Yaoundé, speculation is rife regarding potential candidates, with names such as Paul Atanga Nji, Louis-Paul Motaze, Philémon Yang, and Oswald Baboké frequently mentioned. The list of hopefuls continues to grow as President Paul Biya delays making a decision.

The current impasse. Franck Biya, the president’s son, was reportedly slated for appointment immediately following the April decree. His first official duty was to be welcoming Pope Leo XIV, with a press release prepared for broadcast on CRTV. However, the announcement never materialized. Sources indicate that Chantal Biya intervened at the last minute, favoring her own son, Franck Hertz. Behind the circulating names, the intricate process of presidential succession is clearly unfolding backstage.

4. In Senegal, constitutional reform poised to primarily benefit Ousmane Sonko

What you need to know : A draft constitutional revision, unveiled on April 27, appears set to reconfigure power dynamics at the apex of the Senegalese executive, largely favoring Ousmane Sonko. Two pivotal changes are proposed: the president would now be required to define national policy “in consultation” with the prime minister, and the prime minister would gain an independent right to refer matters to the future Constitutional Court, irrespective of presidential will. Furthermore, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye would be prohibited from leading a political party or campaigning, while Sonko would retain full autonomy over Pastef.

Why this matters : This situation carries significant institutional risk. Article 49 remains unaltered, meaning Faye retains the power to dismiss Sonko at any moment. However, should the increasing tensions between the two men escalate to such a scenario, Senegal could face an unprecedented cohabitation: a constitutionally strengthened leader of the parliamentary majority forced into opposition from the prime minister’s office.

5. Insights into Philippe Lalliot, France’s new ambassador to Morocco

Macron’s personal selection. Philippe Lalliot, 60, has been appointed as France’s new ambassador to Morocco, succeeding Christophe Lecourtier. This crucial selection was personally made by President Macron. Lalliot, a career diplomat from the Quai d’Orsay and current director of the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS), brings a crisis management profile rather than a political one, aligning with France’s evolving diplomatic doctrine towards Rabat.

A dual challenge. Lalliot assumes his role amidst a bilateral relationship that is warming but still evolving, with an friendship treaty under negotiation and a state visit by King Mohammed VI to France yet to be officially scheduled. Economically, the foundation is robust, with France accounting for nearly 30% of total foreign direct investment in Morocco. Paris aims to accelerate engagement, while Rabat continues to advance methodically, point by point.