French President Nicolas Sarkozy heads to South Africa on Thursday for a two-day visit expected to focus on seizing business opportunities in Africa's biggest economy and improving his image on the continent.
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Sarkozy caused outrage in sub-Saharan Africa last year on his first visit as president, when he suggested the continent had failed to embrace progress.
On his way to South Africa, he stopped off in Chad where he met President Idriss Deby in an attempt to clarify the fate of missing opposition politicians there and to push for cross-party talks.
Deby later announced an international inquiry into the disappearance of the opposition leaders and this month's rebel raid on the capital aimed at ousting him. Sarkozy left without talking to journalists.
In South Africa, he is due to meet President Thabo Mbeki, among the few on the continent who appeared to show some sympathy for Sarkozy's comments about the lack of progress. He will also meet anti-apartheid icon and former President Nelson Mandela.
Sarkozy is bringing with him 40 CEOs of French companies, including power giant EDF, industrial group Alstom and nuclear firm Areva. Several energy, transport and tourism accords are expected to be signed.
Areva has submitted a multi-billion dollar offer to develop and build nuclear power plants in South Africa after power utility Eskom, unable to meet rising demand for power, invited international companies to submit bids.
Sarkozy is accompanied by his wife, model-turned-singer Carla Bruni on their first joint overseas trip since their secret marriage earlier this month.
Sarkozy's popularity at home has been hit by his high-profile, whirlwind romance and marriage to Carla, which came just four months after he divorced his second wife. Some accused him of being too impulsive.
Gert Grobler, a top South African foreign affairs official, said the couple would stay on for a private visit after the meetings end.
