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A newly announced country strategy by President Emmanuel Macron signals a sharpened focus on Africa’s mining sector, positioning the continent as central to France’s long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness. As competition for minerals intensifies globally, led by China, Russia and the U.S., the strategy signals a renewed push by France to secure supply chains while deepening economic partnerships across Africa.
At the core of the strategy is mining and energy, sectors where African countries are seeking capital, technology and long-term partners to unlock their resource potential. For France, expanding its footprint in Africa offers a pathway to reclaim market share and reinforce strategic influence in a rapidly shifting global minerals landscape. The strategy is closely linked to France’s domestic energy priorities. As Europe’s largest nuclear power producer, France depends on stable and diversified uranium supplies to sustain its electricity system. Strengthening engagement with African mining jurisdictions would help reduce geopolitical risk exposure while supporting France’s leadership in nuclear energy.
With uranium demand for power generation projected to rise by nearly 30% by 2035, producers such as Niger, Namibia and Zambia are increasingly looking for investment and technical expertise to scale production. This creates a mutually beneficial opportunity: France secures energy-critical resources, while African producers gain access to long-term capital, off-take agreements and operational know-how. Beyond uranium, the strategy reflects France’s broader ambition to secure critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. With demand for these minerals expected to quadruple by 2030 and Africa holding around 30% of global reserves, the continent is emerging as a strategic pillar in France’s future-facing industrial plans.
France enters this renewed engagement with an established mining and infrastructure footprint across Africa. Companies such as Orano and Eramet have long operated in key markets, contributing to the development of uranium, manganese and mineral sands projects. In Senegal, Eramet’s Grande Côte operation is among the world’s largest mineral sands producers, while in Gabon the company operates major manganese assets. Orano continues to maintain uranium operations in Niger and is expanding exploration activities elsewhere on the continent. French involvement also extends beyond mining operations into finance, logistics and energy solutions. Renewable energy developer Voltalia, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, is supporting mining-focused renewable power projects across Africa.
Meanwhile, the French Development Agency has provided significant financing to improve transport and decarbonisation infrastructure critical to mineral exports. Service providers and drilling companies from France are also embedded in Africa’s mining ecosystem, supporting exploration and development across several West and Southern African jurisdictions. Against this backdrop, African Mining Week, scheduled for 14–16 October 2026 in Cape Town, is expected to play a key role in connecting French investors, developers and financiers with emerging mining opportunities across the continent, as Africa and France align strategic interests around minerals, energy security and long-term growth.
