Ruto saysAfrica seeks investment and equal partnerships, not aid.

.Macron canvasses ‘strategic autonomy’ for Africa, Europe

.Guterres pushes for African permanent seats on UN security council

Deji Elumoye in Nairobi, Kenya

President William Ruto of Kenya said that African nations no longer seek aid from Europe or global financing institutions. He emphasized that the continent now wants investment and equal partnership with countries worldwide.

Speaking on Tuesday in Nairobi at the official opening of the Africa Forward Summit, which was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and 30 other African heads of state, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Ruto reiterated that Africa desires investment and equal partnership, not aid. He noted that the continent is tired of one‑sided relationships and is ready for an African‑led economic transformation.

Ruto also called for reform of the international financial architecture so that African countries are not penalised with high borrowing costs. He argued that credit‑rating agencies overstate Africa’s risk, which drives up interest rates.

Setting the tone for the summit, Ruto described its theme, “Africa‑France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” as a turning point toward a stronger partnership with France. He welcomed the 30 heads of state and portrayed Africa as a “continent of solutions” capable of driving innovation and industrialisation rather than merely receiving aid.

In his speech as co‑host of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated “strategic autonomy” for Africa and Europe, saying both continents face the same challenge of reducing dependence on the United States and China for technology, artificial intelligence and critical minerals. He said, “A lot of solutions are made in the US or made in China… we have a common fight, a common battle together to build our strategic autonomy for Europe and Africa.”

Macron added that AI and digital growth cannot occur without energy, calling for greater investment in renewable power and grid capacity. He announced plans to expand Orange Digital Centres, aiming to train one million young Africans by 2030 through the creation of 50 new centres.

Emphasising a shift from the old relationship, Macron stated that the “Françafrique” model is over. “Previously European chiefs would lecture African leaders on what they needed, but this is no longer what Africa needs or wants to hear,” he said. He also noted that colonialism cannot explain all of Africa’s current challenges and urged African leaders to improve governance.

On cultural restitution, Macron declared that the return of looted African artworks is “unstoppable,” referring to a French law passed days before the summit. He positioned France as a co‑investor in Africa’s technology and energy future, not a donor.

In a goodwill message, United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres called for reform of global institutions, describing the current situation as “deeply unfair” because African countries face high borrowing costs despite strong potential. He advocated for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, stating, “There will be no justice before there will be permanent African members in the Security Council.” He called the lack of African representation on the Council an “historic injustice.”

Regarding finance and climate justice, Guterres expressed concern that Africa is labelled “high‑risk,” which raises borrowing costs. He said climate‑vulnerable African nations are “