China overtakes France in major African infrastructure deal

France, with its deep-rooted colonial ties and a long-standing presence in Africa, has traditionally held sway over key sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications.

French companies have secured lucrative contracts for the construction of ports, power plants, and road networks across the continent.

However, this dominance is now being challenged by the rise of new players, particularly China, which has aggressively pursued resources and markets in Africa.

A Symbolic Setback for Paris

The Nairobi-Malaba Highway project exemplifies this shift in influence. Initially awarded in 2019 to a French consortium comprising Vinci and Meridiam, the billion-euro infrastructure project has now been handed over to China by Kenyan President William Ruto.

The announcement, made during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in Beijing, marks a significant setback for France’s interests in the region.

The highway, a critical two-lane road linking Nairobi to the Ugandan border, is more than just a national project; it is a strategic corridor intended to facilitate trade with neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.

The French companies involved had anticipated recouping their investment over the next 30 years through toll revenues.

China’s Growing Footprint in African Infrastructure

Kenya’s decision to switch to a Chinese partner is part of a broader trend that has been unfolding over the past decade.

China has emerged as a key partner for many African nations by offering substantial financing and faster project completion times than its Western competitors.

In Kenya, Chinese influence is already evident in landmark projects like the Thika Superhighway, Nairobi Expressway, and the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.

President Ruto’s decision is particularly striking given his previous campaign promises to reduce Kenya’s reliance on Chinese investments and diversify the country’s economic partnerships.

This about-face highlights the complex geopolitical and economic considerations at play in African infrastructure projects.

A Challenge for French Economic Diplomacy

For France, losing this significant contract raises questions about its strategy on the African continent.

As it faces competition not only from China but also from other emerging powers like Turkey and India, France must rethink its approach.

Despite their expertise, French companies often struggle to adapt to the evolving realities of the African market.

Moving forward, France must find a balance between protecting its economic interests and offering more balanced partnerships to African nations.

This will require greater sensitivity to local aspirations, more flexible financing models, and an ability to collaborate within international consortia.

France could also leverage its strengths in technological innovation and sustainable development to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.

The Nairobi-Malaba highway episode underscores the challenges French economic diplomacy faces in Africa.

In an era of heightened competition, maintaining influence while adapting to the continent’s new dynamics will be crucial for the future of Franco-African relations.

The days when France could take its dominance in certain markets for granted appear to be over, signaling a significant shift in the economic balance of power on the continent.