What to Expect at the Africa Forward Summit Two-Day Programme

Africa Forward Summit is a continental event that will see the coming together of the Heads of States of African countries, the President of France, the African Union, the European Union, international financial institutions, business leaders, as well as civil society organizations and youth groups.

This event will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, on 11th and 12th May 2026.

It aims to create tangible commitments that would build a new framework of partnership between Africa and France based on development, security, and transformation.

The summit seeks to foster a productive dialogue that will focus on investments, governance and a cooperative framework that will support Africa’s development agenda.

This summit is preceded by an Innovation and Social Creation Pavilion on 10th May 2026, which will bring together civil society organizations and youth movements.

The summit is widely seen as a defining diplomatic platform for reshaping Africa’s global partnerships and accelerating implementation-oriented cooperation models.

“It is my distinct honour to warmly welcome you to Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the University of Nairobi on the 11th and 12th of May 2026. Kenya, the cradle of humankind, is proud to host you once again on African soil, a place where history began, and where the future is being actively shaped. Karibuni Nyumbani — Welcome home.” William Samoei Ruto said.

Day 2 Program: Opening, Discussion, and Adoption of the Nairobi Declaration

The second day of the summit will be held on 12 May 2026 at the KICC, Nairobi and will include the opening ceremony, after which a discussion on peace and security will follow.

There will be four thematic roundtable discussions on priority developmental issues.

High-Level Participation and Continental Involvement

The summit brings together heads of state and government from Africa, as well as the president of France.

Involvement of the AU is meant to align with the priorities of Agenda 2063, while the involvement of the EU is geared towards enhancing the relationship between Africa and Europe through trade, investment, and governance structures.

Financial institutions are involved in the summit to discuss reforms in the global financial architecture that will assist in financing the development process in Africa.

About 30 chief executive officers from Africa and France are also attending the summit.

Also Read: Africa Forward Summit: Full List of Heads of State and Senior Officials Attending

Program Structure and Pre-Summit Participation

Africa Forward 2026 lasts for two days and takes place between the University of Nairobi and KICC, with a pre-summit happening on the 10th of May.

Innovation and Social Creativity Pavilion serves as an interactive platform which gets supported by about fifty African and French Civil Society Organizations.

Also Read: UN Chief António Guterres to Visit Kenya Ahead of Africa Forward Summit

Seven Key Strategic Thematic Focus Areas

The agenda for the summit revolves around seven strategic thematic focuses.

They include: Energy Transition & Green Industrialization, where attention will be paid to financing and skill training; Reforming the International Financial System, whereby private capital will be mobilized; the Blue Economy, where the issues of maritime governance, employment opportunities, and carbon neutrality will receive special attention; and finally, Sustainable Agriculture, which ensures resilience of food systems.

The other key focus areas include AI & Digital Technology, Resilient Health Systems through increased local production capabilities, and Peace & Security.

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