Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday called for stronger African representation in international institutions, including the UN Security Council, global financial bodies, and the G20.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized the need for Africa to have a more significant role in these global platforms during the opening session of the Africa Forward summit. He highlighted the importance of integrating Africa into the G20 and supporting its representation in the United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions.

Macron stated that the summit signaled a shift towards a forward-looking partnership between Africa and France, where future cooperation should be based on shared priorities rather than historical ties. He urged that the agenda between Africa and France should focus on future goals instead of past relations.

He detailed France’s approach over the past decade, which aimed to balance historical reflection with cooperation, focusing on investment in culture, sports, education, and economic development. Macron advocated for a partnership model that emphasizes investment-led cooperation over aid-based relations.

The French president highlighted the need for co-investment in sectors like artificial intelligence, health, agriculture, energy, and industry, viewing Africa as a ‘true partner’ rather than just a source of raw materials. He mentioned investment commitments worth £23 billion (nearly $25.2 billion) related to the summit, involving contributions from both French and African companies.

Macron also touched on the necessity of reforms in fiscal policy and improved mobilization of international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to support development. He recognized Africa as the world’s youngest continent, noting its current and future potential as a global force.