Macron’s Africa tour opens in Alexandria with Senghor University campus launch ahead of Kenya summit
French President Emmanuel Macron began his Macron Africa tour in Alexandria, inaugurating a new campus of the Senghor Francophone University and meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi as part of a regional trip that will continue in Kenya and Ethiopia. The visit places the launch of the Borg al‑Arab campus at the center of France’s diplomatic push to deepen ties with African partners and address pressing security and economic issues. Macron’s agenda in the coming days includes a proposed maritime coalition, bilateral agreements in Nairobi and a concluding visit to the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Inauguration of Senghor Francophone University campus in Borg al‑Arab
President Macron and President el‑Sisi opened the modern campus of Senghor Francophone University in the Borg al‑Arab area outside Alexandria. The university was founded in 1990 under the auspices of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and focuses on development studies and training future African leaders.
French and Egyptian officials described the new campus as a symbol of cultural and educational partnership aimed at expanding francophone higher education in North Africa. The inauguration included a tour of the facilities and a public statement emphasizing cooperation on education and development initiatives.
Bilateral meeting in Alexandria addresses deepening ties and regional crisis
Macron held a bilateral meeting with President el‑Sisi to reaffirm the longstanding political and economic relationship between France and Egypt. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on trade, security and cultural exchange.
The meeting also addressed the current crisis in the Middle East, where Paris seeks coordinated regional responses and de‑escalation. French officials emphasized the importance of dialogue with regional partners to manage humanitarian concerns and stabilize maritime routes.
Maritime security initiative proposed to reopen Strait of Hormuz
One item on Macron’s agenda is a Franco‑British proposal to assemble a maritime coalition of states not directly engaged in the conflict to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative aims to ensure the security of commercial shipping and to reduce the risk of broader disruption to global energy and trade flows.
French spokespeople framed the proposal as a practical, multilateral measure to protect navigation without escalating military confrontation. The plan is presented as complementary to diplomatic efforts and subject to coordination with regional partners.
Cultural and historical engagements underscore diplomatic visit
As part of his Alexandria program, Macron visited the historic Qaitbay Citadel, the 15th‑century fortress built on the site of the ancient lighthouse. The cultural stop reinforced the ceremonial dimension of the trip and underscored France’s interest in heritage diplomacy in Egypt.
The visit to the citadel preceded a working dinner between the French and Egyptian delegations, during which officials signaled a desire to broaden collaboration across sectors. French and Egyptian ministers accompanied the presidents to discuss concrete next steps for cultural and academic exchange.
Nairobi leg to focus on bilateral accords and the Africa Forward summit
From Egypt, Macron travels to Nairobi to meet President William Ruto and to oversee the signing of bilateral agreements, including pacts between French and Kenyan companies. The bilateral talks are expected to target trade, investment and technology partnerships that can boost economic ties between the two countries.
Macron and Ruto will co‑host the France‑Africa summit titled “Africa Forward,” which is notable for being held in an English‑speaking country and for bringing together African leaders for a concentrated two‑day agenda. Organizers say the summit will emphasize economic cooperation, infrastructure financing and youth employment initiatives.
Addis Ababa stop: AU engagement and UN participation on peace and security
The final stop on Macron’s itinerary is Addis Ababa, where he will meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and visit the African Union headquarters. The French president will join a session attended by United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres to discuss joint responses to peace and security challenges on the continent.
According to French officials, the Addis Ababa meeting will focus on bolstering mechanisms for collective action on conflict prevention, mediation and humanitarian response. The session is intended to signal France’s commitment to working through African institutions alongside the UN to address regional instability.
Macron’s Africa tour blends high‑profile diplomacy, cultural outreach and security initiatives as Paris seeks to recalibrate its engagement with the continent. The trip is positioned to produce concrete agreements on education, trade and maritime security while testing a cooperative model for addressing regional crises through multilateral partnerships.