What to Expect from President Macron During the Africa Forward Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to push for a renewed Africa-France partnership centered on innovation, investment and multilateral cooperation during the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

The summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” will be held on May 11 and 12, 2026, and will bring together Heads of State and Government, business leaders, innovators, artists and youth representatives from across Africa and France.

The high-level meeting will be co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and President Macron, marking the first time France and an English-speaking African country will jointly chair the summit.

According to the summit organizers, the gathering seeks to showcase Africa’s innovation capacity while advancing “common, mutually beneficial solutions” founded on effective multilateralism and transformative partnerships.

Push for Equal Partnerships

President Macron said the summit would serve as a major turning point in redefining ties between France and African nations.

“Since 2017, we have been working on overhauling the Africa–France relationship. We wish to build partnerships on an equal footing, founded on shared interests and tangible results,” Macron said.

He added that the Nairobi summit would symbolize “an open and future-focused relationship” between Africa and France.

“The Africa Forward Summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour. For the first time, France and an English-speaking African country will co-chair this event, symbolizing an open and future-focused relationship,” he stated.

Investment and Economic Cooperation

Macron indicated that economic cooperation and private sector investment would dominate discussions during the summit, with nearly 1,500 economic stakeholders expected to participate.

“This summit will bring together States, businesses, young people, artists and diasporas. Because the relationship between France and Africa cannot merely be declared, it must be built on the ground by innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives,” he said.

The French President identified healthcare, education, food security, digital technology, energy and infrastructure as priority sectors for expanded cooperation.

“Our priority is clear: to step up investments and strengthen our cooperation programmes in healthcare, education, food, digital technology, energy and infrastructures,” Macron said.

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

“In Nairobi, some 1,500 economic stakeholders will be mobilized to transform ambitions into projects and projects into results,” he added.

Macron further stressed that France was deliberately positioning the private sector at the center of the renewed partnership agenda.

“We are making a strategic choice in ensuring the private sector is the driving force behind this new momentum,” he said.

Focus on Global Governance Reforms

Beyond trade and investment, the summit is expected to carry a strong political message on Africa’s place in international governance systems.

Macron argued that Africa must play a greater role in shaping solutions to global challenges, including peacebuilding, climate action and technological transformation.

“But beyond the economy, there is an essential political message: Africa must be fully involved in global decisions. Peace, climate, technology and prosperity: none of these challenges can be addressed without it,” he stated.

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

The French leader also said France was championing reforms aimed at making global institutions more representative and effective.

“That is why we are spearheading an ambitious reform of international governance, for a fairer, more representative and more effective multilateralism,” Macron said.

The Nairobi summit is expected to set the tone ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian, where discussions on Africa’s growing geopolitical and economic influence are likely to feature prominently.

“The Nairobi summit will be a moment of truth in the lead-up to the G7 Summit in Evian. A moment to welcome a renewed relationship between Africa and France, one that is clear, of a high standard and firmly action-oriented,” Macron said.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates