On top of the €20 billion in funding over five years, France has also announced it will set up a France-Africa Foundation to assist in Africa’s development.
The European nation has become more involved most recently in security issues within Africa, including sending troops to Mali and the latest to the Central African Republic (CAR). However, there are other sectors that the French are popping up – including renewables.
In mid-July, the French Agency for Development (AFD) announced that it would extend a $12-million credit line to Tanzania to help bolster the East African country’s renewable energy. In addition, the soon-to-be created solar PV research and development center initiated by French energy giants Total and EDF could result in even more involvement in Africa. And one of the biggest involvements from the European super power comes from Desertec France with immediate plans to launch projects in the French speaking nations of Cameroon and Senegal.
Under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) signed, the continent could very well see more French influence for years to come.
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