海外发展研究所-法非关系的未来：法国在马克龙领导下与非洲接触的经验教训以及对即将上任的法国总统的建议（英）-2022.4-29页_476kb

Summary of "The Future of France-Africa Relations"

Core Content

This document analyses the state of France-Africa relations under President Emmanuel Macron and offers recommendations for the future. It highlights the challenges and limited success of Macron's efforts to reframe France's engagement with Africa and suggests a more strategic and mutually beneficial approach.

Main Points

Macron's Engagement with Africa (2017–2022)

• Africa as a Strategic Priority: Macron placed Africa at the center of his foreign policy, driven by the belief that many global challenges (climate change, demography, terrorism, health) are concentrated on the continent.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Macron launched a new narrative emphasizing equal partnership with African states, making visits to several African countries and holding summits to engage directly with African citizens and diasporas.
• Apologies and Reforms: He publicly apologized for France's colonial past and initiated reforms in aid policy, including a new strategy aimed at increasing aid to African countries, especially low-income ones, to reach 0.7% of ODA/GNI by 2025.
• Economic Diplomacy: To counter declining trade and investment shares, Macron deepened economic diplomacy with anglophone and lusophone countries and supported SMEs and entrepreneurs through initiatives like Choose Africa and Digital Africa.
• Multilateral Initiatives: France played a role in multilateral efforts such as the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A), but its contributions were below expectations and commitments.
• Security and Governance: France's security policy in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, has been criticized for its inconsistency. While it supported military operations, it also backed non-democratic leaders, fueling anti-French sentiment.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Impact of New Narrative: Despite efforts to redefine the relationship, the new narrative has been met with skepticism, especially in former colonies, due to perceived condescension and domestic policies that undermined its credibility.
• Geopolitical Obstacles: The global crises (Covid-19, Ukraine war) and France's position as a mid-sized power have hindered its ability to influence African affairs effectively.
• Domestic Policies Affecting Relations: Policies such as increasing university fees for non-EU students and stricter immigration laws have negatively impacted France's image in Africa.

Key Recommendations

1. A Clearer Africa Strategy

• France should develop a comprehensive strategy that defines its engagement at the continental, regional, and bilateral levels.
• The strategy should align with both French and African priorities to ensure mutual benefit and legitimacy.

2. Focus on Mutual Interests

• The partnership should be driven by shared interests such as climate and energy resilience, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.
• France should prioritize areas where its investments can yield tangible results and support African-led development.

3. Enhance Climate and Energy Resilience

• Invest in renewable energy and natural gas, following commitments made at COP26.
• Evaluate the success of the International Just Energy Transition Partnership in South Africa and explore its replicability across other African countries.

4. Invest in Future-Ready Infrastructure

• Set clear investment targets for infrastructure and explore ways to encourage private investment.
• Develop a dedicated digital strategy to support Africa's digital transformation.

5. Strengthen Multilateral Institutions

• France should push for more efficient use of development bank resources and support the introduction of new financial instruments.
• It should work with partners to enhance the financing capacity of domestic public banks.

6. Drive EU Reform and Africa Focus

• France should lead the EU in advancing its Africa agenda and ensure that the Ukraine crisis does not divert attention and resources.
• It should push for internal EU reforms that impact Africa, such as migration and asylum policies.
• Increase the use of Team Europe to engage more effectively with African countries.

Conclusion

Macron's tenure has brought significant attention and initiatives to France-Africa relations, but the results have been limited. The future of this partnership depends on a more coherent strategy, greater focus on mutual interests, and stronger action to support African development. France must also address inconsistencies in its policies and ensure that its efforts are both visible and impactful.

Figures and Data

• Figure 1: Top five investor economies by FDI stock in Africa, 2015 and 2019 (US$bn)
• Figure 2: French FDI in Africa by sector, 2019 (stock, US$bn)

Acknowledgements

The paper is based on research and input from various experts and stakeholders, including the Council of French Investors in Africa (CIAN), and acknowledges the support of several individuals and organizations in the development of the analysis.