France’s Development Assistance Strategy to African Countries

This article is focused on French economic assistance that is a “soft power” tool and is used to maintain and strengthen influence in developing countries and in Africa in particular – bilateral Official development assistance (ODA). The targets of this research include analysis of the ODA transformation because of changes in geopolitical situation on African continent. The authors use historical-genetic method allowing to show the evolution in French development assistance strategy from the colonial system breakdown up to 2020s, and comparative statistical method of quantitative analysis of ODA. Various concepts of France’s assistance as ex-colonial empire to the least developed African countries are considered. France`s place and role within the bilateral ODA of the OECD Development Assistance Committee are highlighted; types and sectoral areas of this aid to Africa as the main beneficiary and key direction of French ODA. The institutional ecosystem of the ODA organization in France, the functions of government agencies involved in the organization and provision of such assistance are examined; a historical survey of the evolution of the size of ODA – in absolute figures and percentage of GNI is presented. Data of ODA budget funds allocation of government structural divisions and the legally established solidarity priorities in development, the fight against poverty, global inequalities, and protecting global public goods (Law-Programming 2021) are analyzed. In conclusion, the authors give an assessment of transition to a new post-colonial model of France–Africa relations based on sharing responsibilities and submit revised ODA concept. The results of the study prove that France is facing the crisis of development assistance policy in real geopolitical situation and enhanced competition on the continent.