Japan’s SoftBank Group has announced it will invest 45 billion euros ($53 billion) in France over the next five years to develop AI infrastructure.
The announcement came prior to the company’s 46th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, as part of a 75-billion-euro initiative to deploy 5 GW of AI data center capacity.
“AI is entering a new era, and the countries that build the infrastructure for this transformation will shape the future of technology, industry and society,” said Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son. “SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. With its industrial capabilities, talent base and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, & Industrial, Energy, & Digital Sovereignty), said: “SoftBank’s decision to invest massively in AI datacenters in France – a first for the group in Europe – is testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain. It reflects our country’s substantial assets: fast access to the most reliable electrical grid in Europe, a strong digital and industrial ecosystem with a skilled workforce, and a government that works in unison with local authorities and stakeholders to fast track procedures for strategic projects. By partnering with leading French companies EDF on the Bouchain data center, and Schneider Electric for a robotized plant, SoftBank displays a long-term commitment to building the future of an industry-centric AI in France. We are proud to support an investment that creates jobs, strengthens our digital infrastructure and contributes to our goal of digital sovereignty.”
Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF, said: “The project selected for the Bouchain site demonstrates France’s ability to host large-scale digital infrastructure, supported by competitive, sovereign and low-carbon electricity. It reflects EDF’s commitment to selecting projects that combine industrial excellence, high environmental standards and long-term value creation for local communities, while giving a new purpose to its former industrial sites.”
Maurice Georges, CEO of the Port of Dunkirk and Patrice Vergriete, Chairman of the Dunkirk Urban Council and Mayor of Dunkirk, said: “Dunkirk Urban Community and Port of Dunkirk Authority warmly welcome this major industrial project, which demonstrates Dunkirk’s attractiveness and validates the substantial investments made to support reindustrialisation. The result of close collaboration between Port of Dunkirk Authority, Business France and local stakeholders, and made possible by the strong commitment of the State and RTE to abundant, decarbonised electricity, this project marks a significant milestone in Dunkirk’s strategy to become a leading hub for the digital economy. It comes alongside an ongoing competitive tender process for a state-of-the-art data centre at the Port of Dunkirk’s Western Harbour. The Hauts-de-France Region continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable industrial development, combining competitiveness, innovation and environmental responsibility.”
Softbank’s shares have increased by more than 70% in 2026 so far.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
