A seasoned diplomat born on January 19, 1972, in Paris, Jérémie Blin is now regarded as President Emmanuel Macron’s trusted figure to reinvigorate waning ties while aligning French diplomacy with the contemporary realities of the African continent.
The Élysée has appointed Jérémie Blin to oversee preparations for the next Africa-France Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi in 2026. This distinguished diplomat is part of the delegation accompanying the Secretary of State for Francophonie during his visit to Kenya, which began on November 25.
Before his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Burundi in 2021, Blin contributed to numerous strategic initiatives, demonstrating his ability to adeptly navigate complex contexts. His diverse experience and proven expertise make him a key player in meeting the rising expectations for the Franco-African partnership.
The choice of Nairobi as the host city for the 2026 Africa-France Summit reflects Paris’s intent to redefine its relationship with Africa. This edition, the first to be held in an anglophone country, marks a paradigm shift. Announced in September 2024 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, it underscores a strategic effort to expand French diplomacy in Africa beyond its Francophone legacy.
The summit will address critical themes such as climate challenges, environmental preservation, reforming the global financial architecture, and fostering inclusive multilateralism. This focus reflects the shared vision of the two presidents to position Africa as a central actor in global discussions, particularly within the framework of the Paris Pact for People and Planet launched in 2023.
Since 1973, Africa-France summits have alternated between France and African countries. However, the Nairobi edition marks a clear departure from tradition. The last classic summit, held in Bamako in 2017, was followed by an unprecedented meeting in Montpellier in 2021, which focused on civil society and excluded African leaders. While innovative, this model faced criticism for its lack of consultation with African governments.
This time, the ambition is to gather all African heads of state and government alongside representatives from civil society and the private sector. By choosing an anglophone country, France is signaling its intent to engage with the entire continent, including states outside its linguistic heritage. This decision comes at a time when relations between Paris and several of its former colonies, particularly in the Sahel, are experiencing significant turbulence.
At the heart of this transformation, Jérémie Blin plays a pivotal role. Known for his pragmatism and strategic acumen, he is tasked with restoring trust and fostering diplomacy based on mutually beneficial partnerships. His appointment as the lead figure for Africa-France relations for this unprecedented summit highlights the Élysée’s commitment to a renewed approach rooted in listening, cooperation, and respect for local specificities.
The Nairobi summit represents a unique opportunity for France to redefine its relationship with Africa in a context where the continent's expectations are rapidly evolving. With Jérémie Blin at the helm, this gathering could mark the start of a new era where cooperation transcends historical legacies and is firmly anchored in a modern and inclusive dynamic.
