Kenya has held bilateral discussions with France in preparation for the upcoming Africa Forward Summit 2026, focusing on unlocking the continent’s blue economy potential and strengthening regional trade infrastructure.
Principal Secretary for Blue Economy Betsy Njagi, alongside Treasury PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo and Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, held the preparatory meeting with the French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet.
The talks centered on advancing strategic development of Africa’s blue economy, with emphasis on key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, port infrastructure, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
“The Summit will advance the conversation from underutilisation to strategic development, addressing the measurable potential across fisheries, aquaculture, port infrastructure, offshore energy, and coastal tourism. Well-governed, modern port infrastructure represents a critical enabler for the AfCFTA, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders & coastlines,”statement read.
According to the officials, the Africa Forward Summit 2026 is expected to shift the conversation from underutilisation of marine resources to structured and measurable economic transformation across coastal economies.
The discussions also highlighted the role of modern and well-governed port infrastructure in facilitating regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling the efficient movement of goods across borders and coastal regions.
The PS noted that strengthening maritime and coastal infrastructure will be critical in unlocking economic opportunities and enhancing connectivity across African economies.