Macron Announces €23 Billion Investment Package at Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi

The summit brought together more than 30 African heads of state, business executives and young entrepreneurs. Organizers described the gathering as focused on trade, investment, technology and strengthening economic and political ties between France and the continent.

The event forms part of Macron’s effort to reset France’s strategy toward Africa. France has positioned itself as offering a “third way” in Africa’s AI race between American and Chinese technology providers, according to France 24 reporting on the summit.

Kenya is seeking to expand its capacity to meet growing African demand for artificial intelligence tools and data infrastructure. One project under discussion is a proposed large-scale data center in Kenya powered by geothermal energy.

According to a Seeking Alpha report citing project updates, Microsoft and G42 have hit a major roadblock in Kenya on the data center plan. Negotiations have faced obstacles related to the facility’s power demands and payment guarantees. The proposed one-gigawatt facility would consume roughly one-third of Kenya’s total power capacity.

Officials have noted the scale could require switching off substantial portions of the country to meet the project’s needs. Talks over government guarantees for power offtake payments have stalled. The lead foreign technology partner is considering scaling back the project’s size.

Microsoft continues aggressive global spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, with plans exceeding $190 billion. The company maintains a strong investment outlook according to market analysts. Macron’s visit to Kenya includes a scheduled interview from Nairobi on Tuesday evening Paris time with France 24. The summit concludes discussions that began earlier in the week.

During a youth forum at the University of Nairobi, Macron interrupted a speaker after audience members continued side conversations. “There is a total lack of respect,” he said, urging those holding discussions to take them outside or to bilateral meeting rooms. The French leader added that it had become impossible for speakers to be heard. The moment was captured on video.