Add8s Ababa, May 10, 2026 (FMC) — The Africa Forward Summit 2026 is underway in Nairobi, bringing together African and French leaders alongside international institutions, private sector actors, and civil society representatives to advance a renewed framework of cooperation focused on investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
The summit is jointly hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, as part of efforts to reposition Africa–France relations toward a more practical, delivery-oriented partnership model.
Held from 11–12 May 2026, the summit is taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the University of Nairobi. It combines a business and investment forum with high-level political sessions involving heads of state and senior government officials.
The programme is structured around two main pillars: a private sector-led business and investment forum focused on financing opportunities, and political sessions bringing together heads of state, regional organisations, and development partners to discuss long-term policy priorities.
Key agenda areas include energy transition, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, agriculture and food systems, health systems, and the blue economy, reflecting shared priorities on industrialisation and sustainable growth.
Several African heads of state and international delegations have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the summit, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, with senior officials, investors, and private sector leaders also in attendance for the high-level sessions.
The summit brings together more than 2,000 participants, including heads of state, African Union and European Union representatives, international financial institutions, business executives, civil society organisations, and youth representatives, with around 30 heads of state expected within the summit framework.
Organisers describe the forum as part of a broader shift toward a more balanced Africa–France partnership, aimed at mobilising private capital, strengthening investment flows, and supporting innovation-led development across African economies.
The summit is expected to conclude with a joint framework outlining future cooperation priorities, focusing on concrete and implementable commitments across key development sectors.
The Africa Forward Summit is positioned as part of wider efforts to modernise Africa–Europe relations with a stronger emphasis on measurable economic outcomes and partnership delivery.