Françafrique is retreating, but sovereignty must be built in its place (opens in new tab)

France is changing its relationship with Africa to meet the new realities, but a decrease in the influence of an old colonial power does not automatically equal more sovereignty, writes Ademola Oshodi. On 11 and 12 May 2026, Kenya and France co-hosted the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. The event carried specific significance. A summit