France and Egypt Deepen Strategic Partnership
On his way to Kenya, France’s President Emmanuel Macron first stopped by Egypt for an official visit from 9 to 10 May 2026. Egypt is the first country on his three-nation African tour, which will take him to Kenya and Ethiopia as well. In Kenya, he will co-host the Africa Forward Summit with President William Ruto.
In Egypt, he officially inaugurated the new campus of Senghor University in Alexandria alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Senghor is a major Francophone institution of higher learning in Africa focused on development training for African officials and professionals. Senghor University is a flagship project within France’s Education First policy in Africa, targeting the youth and next generation of leaders.
In addition, several dual-degree programs were signed between French and Egyptian universities to allow students from both countries to get a joint degree by studying in both countries.
The largest deal is unquestionably the EUR 7 billion cooperation agreement on Green Hydrogen (#GH2). The Agreement positions Egypt as a leader in #EnergyTransition and a regional green energy hub for Europe.
Both sides also finalized the implementation roadmap of Cairo Metro Line 6. The line is 35 kilometers long with 26 stations and is designed to carry up to 1.5 million passengers daily. It will be the first fully automated, driverless metro line in Africa. Alstom is the primary partner and will provide the rolling stock and signaling system, and will support Egypt to operate and maintain the system for a 15-year period. As part of its green transportation program, AFD has agreed to provide up to USD 2 billion in credit for the project, which is estimated at about USD 5 billion.
France has also agreed toa new visa framework whereby Egyptian talent might benefit from a fast-track visa in specific sectors where France faces a shortage, such as construction, hospitality and healthcare. At the same time, both sides will beef up maritime patrols in the Mediterranean to curb illegal migration and ensure maritime security.