Requiem for Françafrique? The Changing Nature of Relations between Africa and France

As many African states have experienced increased political influence on the global stage, rapid development, and sustained economic growth; many have noted that France’s position on the continent has diminished and continues to be challenged by other geo-political actors. Against this backdrop, Emmanuel Macron has recently outlined his new Africa-France Partnership to recast development, economic, fiscal, military, and political relations between Africa and France. In their addresses to the IIEA, Dr Catherine Gegout and Dr Ndongo Samba Sylla share their perspectives on the current state of economic and political relations between Africa and France, as well as an analysis of Macron’s new Africa-France Partnership.

About the Speakers:

Dr Catherine Gegout is Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Nottingham. She was Visiting Professor at Harvard Kennedy School in 2019. She is completing a manuscript on The EU and Sustainable Development in the Global South. She wrote the books Why Europe Intervenes in Africa and European Foreign and Security Policy.

Dr Ndongo Samba Sylla is Senegalese Development Economist, currently the Research and Policy Director for Africa with the International Development Economics Associates in Dakar. He authored Africa’s Last Colonial Currency: The CFA Franc Story and co-edited Economic and Monetary Sovereignty for 21st century Africa.