Nigerian President Bola Tinubu embarked on a two-day visit to France on Thursday, November 28 signaling a renewed push for stronger economic partnerships between the two nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Tinubu with a ceremonial reception at the iconic Invalides Memorial Complex, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader in over 20 years.
The visit is set against the backdrop of France’s efforts to deepen ties with English-speaking Africa amid diminishing influence in its former colonies. Macron’s office described the trip as an opportunity to “deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest oil producer, also boasts a thriving film industry known as Nollywood. However, the nation faces significant challenges, with more than half of its 129 million citizens living below the poverty line, compounded by insecurity and corruption.
For Tinubu, the visit offers a chance to attract foreign investment as Nigeria grapples with inflation and soaring food prices.
The Nigerian president emphasized his focus on partnerships in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition” in a statement released by his office.
The discussions will also touch on “finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.”
France’s Shift Toward Anglophone Africa
Macron has been working to reset France’s relationship with Africa since his 2017 election. A series of military coups in Francophone nations, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has eroded France’s traditional influence. In these countries, military rulers have severed ties with their former colonial power and pivoted towards Russia amid ongoing struggles with jihadist insurgencies.
By contrast, English-speaking nations like Nigeria represent an opportunity for France to expand its economic and political footprint without the constraints of a colonial legacy.
“France’s leading trading partners in Africa are not French-speaking,” noted Togolese economist Kako Nubukpo. Nigeria, for instance, ranked as France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, followed by South Africa.
Alain Antil, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), highlighted that France still wields significant influence on the continent, particularly in English-speaking nations. “In these countries, France is not held back by its colonial past,” he explained.
Despite its economic potential, Nigeria faces persistent security challenges. The northern region has been beset by jihadist violence since 2009, fueled by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), as well as armed criminal gangs.
However, with a growing urban population and an emerging middle class, Nigeria offers a promising market for foreign investors. Urbanization across Africa is expected to add up to 700 million new city dwellers by 2050, creating significant opportunities for economic growth.
Macron aims to position France as a key partner for nations like Nigeria that are eager to capitalize on investment to spur development.
Tinubu’s visit underscores this potential, with France keen to establish a “partnership of equals” rather than imposing conditions, according to a diplomatic source.
France’s broader strategy for Africa includes fostering relationships with other English-speaking nations such as Kenya and Zambia. The upcoming 2026 Africa-France Summit will serve as a platform for strengthening these ties.
For now, Tinubu’s visit reflects both nations’ recognition of the mutual benefits of cooperation. As the two leaders address shared goals, from energy transition to youth engagement, the groundwork is being laid for a future partnership that transcends historical boundaries.
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