France Boosts Agro-Industry in Africa with Major Investments at Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward summit, held in Nairobi, Kenya on May 11-12, 2026, has served as a pivotal platform for France to reinforce its economic ties and investments in Africa’s agro-industry. This event, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and approximately 70 French companies, highlights France’s commitment to deepening partnerships and sustainable development across the continent.

A key initiative underscored during the summit is the Food and Agricultural Resilience Mission (FARM), through which France is significantly investing in African agro-industrial ventures. One noteworthy example is France’s involvement in Sierra Leone, where food insecurity affects over half the population. Proparco, the private sector arm of the French Development Agency, has invested €20 million in Jolaks, a local palm oil production company.

Jolaks has a refining capacity of 9,000 tons per month and employs more than 400 workers. Mohamed Sow, Jolaks' director, emphasized the importance of sourcing palm oil sustainably from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire to reduce both costs and environmental impact. Additionally, Jolaks plans to transition towards renewable energy by installing a solar power plant to replace diesel generators, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability.

Proparco’s regional director, Sadio Dicko, explained that the €20 million investment goes beyond financing, offering guidance to improve governance and sustainability within Pee-Cee, Jolaks' parent group. This move reflects France’s broader commitment at the Africa Forward summit to foster vital food production and economic resilience in Africa.

French President Macron, who arrived in Nairobi ahead of the summit, described the event as “a platform for renewed and mutually beneficial partnerships,” stating on social media, “We have much to do together.” The summit also sees the presence of major French corporations like CMA CGM, Total Energies, Accor, and Danone, all seeking stronger ties with African markets.

Nonetheless, the summit carries diplomatic sensitivity, notably around the contested status of Mayotte, a French territory claimed by the Comoros, with potential for heightened tensions during discussions.

As the Africa Forward summit progresses, France's intensified investment and partnership efforts clearly pivot around sustainable agro-industry growth, food security, and strengthening economic ties with Africa, showcasing a significant step in France’s international economic diplomacy.