lemonde.fr
Decline of French Influence in Africa: Market Share Halved, Defense Agreements Terminated
France's influence in Africa is declining, with its market share in sub-Saharan Africa halving from 7% in 2005 to 3.2% in 2023, as shown by the recent termination of defense agreements with Chad and the withdrawal of French banks; this contrasts with France remaining the second largest investor in Africa after the UK.
- What are the primary factors contributing to the decline of French influence and market share in sub-Saharan Africa?
- French influence in Africa is declining, particularly in former colonies, as evidenced by a halving of French market share in sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades (from 7% in 2005 to 3.2% in 2023). This decline is most notable in countries like Senegal, where French companies have lost 12 percentage points of market share since 2006. This coincides with the recent termination of defense agreements between France and Chad, following similar withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- How do the recent termination of defense agreements between France and Chad, and the withdrawal of French banks from Africa, reflect broader trends in Franco-African relations?
- The decrease in French influence is linked to several factors. Increased competition from Chinese, Turkish, and Indian companies, coupled with decreased French investment, contributes to this trend. While France remains a significant investor in Africa (second largest after the UK), the continuous decline in investment flows for several years indicates a shift in engagement.
- What strategic adjustments should French companies make to maintain competitiveness and growth in the face of increased competition and evolving political and economic conditions in Africa?
- Looking ahead, French companies may need to adapt their strategies to navigate the changing political and economic landscape in Africa. The slower-than-expected growth of the middle class and increased political and monetary instability pose challenges. Continued withdrawal of French banks from Africa, exemplified by Société Générale's divestment, signals a potentially larger trend requiring a reassessment of risk and opportunity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs emphasize the decline of French influence in Africa, setting a negative tone. The article primarily focuses on the negative aspects of the situation, such as the withdrawal of French troops and the decline in market share. While it acknowledges the need to avoid fatalism and points to some continued French investment, this positive perspective is less prominent.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although words like "inexorable decline" and "rupture unilatérale" carry a negative connotation. Phrases such as "loss of influence" and "marked fall" emphasize the negative trend. More neutral alternatives could include "reduction in influence," "decrease in market share," and "gradual decline."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decline of French influence and economic presence in Africa, potentially omitting positive aspects of French-African relations or successful collaborations. It also doesn't deeply explore the reasons behind the departure of French banks, only mentioning "instability" and "risks of over-indebtedness" without detailed analysis. The perspective of African nations beyond the mentioned withdrawals is largely absent.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between economic partnerships and politico-security aspects in the context of France-Africa relations. While it highlights the shift towards an economic focus, it implicitly frames the decline in French influence as a direct consequence of the reduced politico-security engagement, neglecting other potential factors.