France, frequently accused of neo-colonial interference in its longstanding African partners, is extending its engagement by co-hosting the Africa Forward Summit with leaders from English-speaking Kenya - a historic first.

Addressing the gathering in Nairobi on Monday, President Emmanuel Macron revealed $27bn (£20bn) in planned investments targeting energy transition, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, the maritime sector, and agriculture.

"Africa is thriving as the world's youngest continent... and requires investment to achieve greater self-sufficiency," he stated, noting that the initiatives would generate around 250,000 jobs across Africa and France.

"We are not just here to invest in Africa with you - we invite top African business figures to invest in France," Macron emphasized to attendees at Nairobi's convention center, according to the AFP news agency.

This two-day summit seeks to diversify Paris's alliances and secure investment agreements amid growing anti-French sentiment and waning influence in former colonies, particularly in West Africa - marking a fundamental evolution in France's African relations.

Since independence in the 1960s, France has sustained deep economic, political, and security connections with many ex-colonies, prompting persistent claims of minimal change.

French leaders have traditionally convened regular summits with African counterparts in France or Francophone Africa - until this occasion.

Senegal-based analyst Gilles Yabi, who studies France-Africa ties, told BBC's Newsday: "A new generation of Africans seeks to close the chapter on colonialism and its lingering effects."

Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the event as "a chance for Africa to unite its voice."

"Hosting this summit in a non-Francophone African nation sends a powerful signal that partnerships should transcend official languages," he told the BBC.

He highlighted it as a timely break from "artificial" divides based on Anglophone, Francophone, or Lusophone labels, which hinder true continental unity.

"Kenya plays a central role in diplomacy and global forums," Mudavadi noted, adding that discussions encompass peace, security, and robust economic ties between Africa and partners like France.

Recently, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei echoed this, calling Kenya a "bridge-builder" in Africa.

He explained to the BBC that Kenya's British colonial past creates a distinct dynamic with France, unlike West Africa's shared history.

Military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - all ex-French territories - have ousted French forces combating Islamist threats and pivoted to Russia for support.

Pre-summit, Macron justified France's scaled-back military footprint, insisting withdrawals post-coups were "not humiliating but a pragmatic adjustment."

"When our support was rejected, we departed," he said. "These nations and their leaders, including coup makers, must forge their paths."

Leaders from those three nations skipped the summit.

Djibouti, near the Red Sea entrance, now maintains France's sole active military base in Africa.

Analyst Yabi called the Kenyan venue "a clear sign of shifting tides" in France-Africa dynamics.

"Beyond reacting to frayed West African links, France recognizes the need to tap vibrant new markets outside its classic ex-colonies in West and Central Africa," he told Newsday.

While Kenya and France pursue mutual economic benefits, Paris aims to reaffirm its continental stature as rivals like China, Russia, and Turkey expand.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi on Monday, Macron stressed Africa's need for investments fostering sovereignty, rejecting outdated European dictates.

"France must stop treating any part of Africa as its exclusive domain, where firms expect privileges just because it's Francophone," he declared.

During one session, Macron halted a speaker to demand silence from the crowd.

"This shows complete disrespect," he admonished, directing side-talkers to step outside or use private rooms.

Social media reactions split: some decried it as paternalistic lecturing at odds with his message, others deemed it appropriate.

Over 30 African heads of state joined, alongside tycoon Aliko Dangote, leading industrialists, and French corporate executives.

"Global fragmentation demands stronger cooperation," France's ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, told NTV last Friday.

France, he noted, ranks as Kenya's fourth-largest foreign investor - no recent revelation.

Carrefour stores in upscale Nairobi areas showcase French impact.

Customers browse aisles of French cheeses, wines, cosmetics, and pastries next to Kenyan goods.

For young Kenyans, France evokes lifestyle brands as much as strategy - unlike in former colonies.

Control Risks analyst Beverly Ochieng views France as "recalibrating its image through softer means."

Shifting from military dominance, Paris leverages commerce, investments, and cultural appeal.

"France draws on familiar brands, EU clout, and cultural sway to drive economic ventures," she said.

Kenya seeks funds for infrastructure, green energy, and tech; French firms already contribute in transport, retail, and power, with hopes for more.

Nuclear collaboration talks emerge as Kenya diversifies energy.

Last month, Nairobi inked a five-year defense pact with France covering intelligence, Indian Ocean security, and emergencies.

Minister Mudavadi noted expanding frontiers.

"The Africa Forward Summit name captures this forward gaze - not dwelling on history."