FRENCH FOREIGN TRADE MINISTER AFFIRMS FRANCE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN OUT OF AFRICA

Faith Nyasuguta

French Foreign Trade Minister Olivier Becht (pictured) has noted that France is not withdrawing from Africa, emphasizing this message before his visit to Nigeria. He called upon French companies to persist and increase their investments in the region.

“Contrary to what some media outlets, and social networks in particular, are saying, France is absolutely not being driven out of Africa, and we’re not in decline at all,” Mr. Becht assured before leaving for Lagos.

According to the ministry, Nigeria is “France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa” and “around 100 French companies” are present there.

Accompanied by a dozen SMEs, Olivier Becht will participate in the signing of “several contracts” during his two-day trip.

“France is at the side of Africans to invest in all areas”, said Mr. Becht, referring in particular to the development of mobility, education and health infrastructures.

“French companies must continue to be present and invest on the continent,” he insisted. “It’s good for the African continent, for African countries, and above all it’s good for the French economy.”

The development of French SMEs “goes through the international box”, he felt.

Amidst the French army’s recent withdrawal from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, Mr. Becht emphasized that, in the current landscape, France’s influence, much like many other nations, is intricately tied to economic engagement.

In countering the expanding influence of China and Russia on the continent, the Minister asserted that France possesses robust arguments and strategic assets to maintain and reinforce its position in the region.

“We make some of the best products in the world”, “which meet environmental standards”, “which take account of local populations” and “which seek to create added value”, he explained. “And I don’t think that’s always the case with Chinese companies or Russian companies”, he added.

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