I notice among people I talk to more enthusiasm toward learning French than Spanish. This confuses me; my feeling is that Spanish unlocks far more countries and speakers than French does and so is a more natural first choice.

What do people think motivates this choice?

Spanish and Portuguese both have that global appeal, I think French probably also will with the rise of Africa

Possible, though I don't think any of the most rapidly rising African countries are francophone, and also things like this are happening:

Devil’s advocate in crypto. Previously @rainbow. Global head of Macro at West Ham Capital

Possible, though I don't think any of the most rapidly rising African countries are francophone, and also things like this are happening:

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post-mobile.php?story=2023070814210465

https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/26/mali-drops-french-as-official-language/

Also if you learn Spanish you can mostly read French 90%