Nairobi, Kenya – More than 4,000 delegates, 2,000 private-sector leaders, and 30 heads of state have convened in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit 2026.
The summit, cohosted by Kenya and France, and themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” aims to redefine cooperation between Africa and France through practical, action-oriented partnerships that drive investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Summit will focus on advancing collaboration across key strategic areas, including:
- Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
- Energy transition and green industrialisation
- Reform of the international financial architecture
- The blue economy
- Sustainable agriculture
What to know about Africa Forward Summit 2026
Hosted in Kenya’s capital, the summit kicks off on Monday, May 11, to Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
President William Ruto and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron officiated the opening of the summit that brings francophone and anglophone countries together.
Ruto said the summit marks a significant step towards a more balanced, action-oriented and results-driven partnership.
“The decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, for the first time in a non-Francophone country, is a strong affirmation of the growing ties between our two countries,” said Ruto.
What Kenya is receiving from the France partnership
Nairobi signed multi-billion shilling deals with Paris ahead of the summit. These include;
- Rehabilitation & modernisation of the Nairobi Commuter Rail: €83.0 Million (KSh 12.5 billion)
- Joint venture for development & finance logistics & port infrastructure: US$800.0 Million (KSh 104.0 billion)
- Facilitation of the purchase of Premium & Speciality Kenyan Tea across French retail networks
- Expansion of Kipeto Wind energy development project by an additional 100 MW: US$ 250.0 Million (KSh 32.5 billion).
Who are key figures attending Africa Forward Summit
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Kenya on Sunday, May 10, for the Africa Forward Summit 2026.
Guterres is expected to participate in high-level engagements at the Summit, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, climate action, and multilateral cooperation across the African continent.
Other heads of state who have arrived for the summit include Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Republic of Nigeria, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, G.C.S.K., F.R.C.P., Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal.
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