All You Need to Know About the Africa Forward Summit 2026
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The Africa Forward Summit “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” will bring together Heads of State and Government, development partners, private sector leaders and innovators.
The Summit will focus on strengthening Africa–France cooperation in innovation, investment and sustainable growth.
The Summit will be co-hosted by H.E. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
It aims to promote a more balanced and respectful partnership. It also seeks to advance effective multilateralism and shared solutions to global and regional challenges.
Venue and Duration
Ahead of the main event, organisers will hold a pre-event programme. This session will bring together civil society groups, youth representatives and development stakeholders. It will help shape discussions and highlight key priorities.
The main Summit will run for two days in Nairobi. On May 11, 2026, participants will attend the Business Forum at the University of Nairobi. This forum will connect investors, innovators and policy actors.
On May 12, 2026, leaders will gather at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the Heads of State Summit. They will discuss policy direction and partnership frameworks.
Also Read: How African Countries Will Benefit from the Africa Forward Summit
Speakers and Participants
The Summit will be led by the two co-hosts, President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. They will guide high-level discussions on cooperation and development.
In addition, the Summit will host more than 30 African Heads of State and Government. It will also bring in officials from the African Union and European Union, alongside international financial institutions.
Further, around 30 chief executives from Africa and France will participate. Civil society groups and youth leaders will also take part. The organisers will release the full speaker list closer to the event.
Also Read: What to Expect at the Africa Forward Summit Two-Day Programme
Goals of the Summit
The Summit will strengthen Africa–France relations through practical cooperation. It will deepen economic partnerships and unlock investment into viable projects.
It will also support reforms in global financial systems. These reforms will improve access to funding for African economies. At the same time, the Summit will expand digital innovation and start-up ecosystems.
In addition, it will promote green industrialisation and energy transition. It will also improve food security through sustainable agricultural systems. Finally, it will strengthen health systems, vaccine production and regional stability.
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Key sectors including energy transition, digital transformation, health systems and the blue economy that will drive discussions at the Africa Forward Summit 2026, which will be held between May 11–12, 2026, aiming to unlock investment, scale innovation and create jobs across Africa. PHOTO/ CS Korir Sing’Oei X
