Kenya has begun receiving Heads of State and senior delegations ahead of the Africa Forward Summit set for 11th to 12th May 2026, a high-level gathering aimed at deepening Africa-France cooperation and advancing shared development priorities.
President of Liberia Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., arrived in Nairobi ahead of the summit, where he is expected to join other African leaders in discussions on sustainable development, trade, and investment partnerships between Africa and France.
He was received by Mr Maurice Okoth, Deputy Director General and Coordinator of the Diplomatic Service Centre, as preparations for the summit gained momentum in the Kenyan capital.
President Boakai joins other Heads of State and Government expected to attend the event, which brings together leaders from across the continent alongside global partners.
President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio also arrived in Nairobi to take part in the summit. He was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano as Kenya continued to host incoming delegations.
President of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara also arrived ahead of the high-level forum and was similarly received by government officials upon landing in Nairobi.
Details of the Africa Forward Summit
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to convene Heads of State, international financial institutions, business leaders, youth representatives and civil society actors, with discussions centred on strengthening Africa-France relations and boosting trade, investment and industrial growth.
The opening day, themed “Inspire & Connect,” will feature a business forum co-organised by Proparco, Bpifrance and Business France. The session will spotlight Africa-France economic partnerships, private sector-led initiatives and support for African entrepreneurship, including programmes such as Choose Africa.
Several high-level sessions will be attended by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto of Kenya, focusing on youth empowerment and high-impact sectors such as sport, culture and creative industries.
The AFD Group is also expected to lead discussions on the role of sport as a development tool, including a dedicated session and demonstrations highlighting its impact on future generations.
The second day of the summit will serve as the official leaders’ meeting, bringing together Heads of State, international financial institutions and chief executives of major African and French companies. Key discussions will focus on development finance and investment in strategic sectors linked to Africa’s industrialisation.
Among the expected participants are African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, business leader and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, among others.
