French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for a two-day state visit, marking the first formal visit by a Nigerian leader to France in over two decades. The visit comes at a time when France is looking to revive its relationships in Africa after a series of political challenges, including military coups in several of its former colonies.
Macron has aimed for a renewal of relations with Africa since his election in 2017, and this trip is seen as an opportunity to deepen France-Nigeria ties, especially in areas such as agriculture, security, health, and energy transition.
Nigeria, Africa’s leading oil producer and home to a growing middle class is seeking economic investments in various sectors. Macron’s office described the visit as an opportunity to develop a partnership of equals with Tinubu, particularly in trade and investment.
The two leaders will meet at the Franco-Nigerian Business Council, which aims to foster new business partnerships between the countries. The visit signals Macron’s interest in reasserting French influence in anglophone Africa, especially given Nigeria’s rising importance as a trading partner.
While France’s traditional influence in its former colonies is waning, especially after recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Nigeria represents a significant counterpoint. Tinubu’s visit is expected to bolster France’s engagement in Africa, with future summits planned to explore further partnerships in the continent’s rapidly urbanising markets.
