Paris: The disruption is now in full swing, with more and more African countries, particularly in the Sahel region of northern and western Africa, rejecting the so-called Francafrique policy by their former colonial power, France. The term refers to a complex and controversial network of political, economic, social, and military ties between France and its former African colonies, describing a kind of special relationship characterized by ongoing French influence in these nations.
According to Deutsche Welle, France's Africa policy is under massive political and popular pressure, and the fight against it is openly challenging Paris's military, diplomatic, and economic footprint in Africa. The once significant French market share in Africa is dwindling, with Chinese companies now holding a 25% market share in French-speaking Africa, while France's share has tumbled to between 6% and 7%.
Moreover, French multinational nuclear fuel cycle corporation Orano announced last September that it would suspend production at its Arlit uranium mine in northern Niger due to financial difficulties faced by its Nigerien subsidiary, Somair. The decision came as border closures between Niger and Benin, triggered by the July 2023 coup, had blocked all uranium exports. Orano stated that despite efforts to find alternative possibilities to export the uranium produced by Somair and to relaunch commercial activities, all proposals made to the Nigerien authorities have remained unanswered.
In June 2024, Orano also lost its mining license for the Imouraren uranium deposit due to a decision by the military government, which revoked the license following a period of tensions. The Imouraren mine, situated about 160 kilometers from Agadez, holds one of the world's largest uranium deposits. Mining was initially launched by French nuclear group Areva, rebranded as Orano in 2018, which mothballed the mine in 2015 due to unfavorable market conditions.
Beyond the uranium sector, France's whole model of influence is being destabilized, affecting sectors like infrastructure, telecommunication, energy, and public works. In February 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron presented a new strategy, entitled "Our Future The Africa-France Partnership," offering new forms of partnerships. Unveiled by Macron ahead of his tour of Central Africa, the strategy advocates abandoning old paradigms and puts a new emphasis on economic and trade relations rather than focusing on security issues.
Countries like Turkey, Russia, China, and even Germany are advancing their positions, forcing French companies to readjust their business policy if they are to survive in an increasingly competitive environment. While withdrawal seems inevitable for some French multinational corporations, others are still betting on rebalancing their business strategies. For example, energy giant TotalEnergies is trying to find a new footing in English- and Portuguese-speaking countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.
With the era of the Francafrique special relationship between France and its former African colonies now coming to an end, there are signs that French multinationals are trying to transform themselves by collaborating more strongly with local partners or moving operations elsewhere in Africa. No matter what they do or where they go, legitimacy remains their main capital and must be regained.