Kigali: French Ambassador to Rwanda Presents the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi
During a press conference held on April 29 at the French Residence in Rwanda, the French Ambassador, Ms. Aurélie Royet-Gounin, outlined the key features of the “Africa Forward: partnerships between African countries and France for innovation and growth” summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi on May 11–12, 2026.
Co-hosted by Kenya and France, the event will bring together several African heads of state and government, along with the President of the French Republic. It marks an important milestone in relations between France and the African continent, nearly ten years after the Ouagadougou speech.
This summit stands out for its unprecedented nature: it is the first meeting of its kind to be co-chaired with an English-speaking country, reflecting a commitment to building balanced and inclusive partnerships between France and Africa. These partnerships are based on economic complementarities and aim to support mutual development, while promoting fairer global governance, free from bloc politics and predatory forms of influence.
The event will highlight the diversity and dynamism of Franco-African relations through the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, youth, artists, civil society organizations, and diasporas.
The summit also aims to accelerate cross-investment and deliver practical solutions to shared challenges, particularly in areas such as healthcare, food sovereignty, digital competitiveness, energy access, and connectivity. It builds on several major initiatives, including the 2021 Paris Summit on Financing African Economies, the 2023 Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, and the African Union–European Union Summit held in Luanda in November 2025.
The first day, under the theme “Inspire and Connect,” will feature a business forum bringing together nearly 2,000 business leaders, investors, and public decision-makers from Africa, France, and Europe. The forum is designed to foster strategic dialogue, promote co-industrialization, and accelerate high-impact economic and social projects. Events focusing on youth, as well as job-creating sectors such as sports and cultural and creative industries, are also planned.
The second day will focus on development financing and global challenges. Thematic panels will address agriculture, health, the blue economy, and artificial intelligence. Issues related to training, youth employment, sovereignty, and competitiveness will be central to the discussions. The summit will also tackle peace and security matters, in support of African mediation efforts and the work of the African Union.
Finally, some of the outcomes of the Africa Forward Summit will contribute to preparations for the upcoming G7 Summit, which France will host in Évian from June 15 to 17, 2026.
Regine AKALIKUMUTIMA
