Morr than 30 heads of state, more than 1500 delegates including CEOs are gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for the prestigious Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12).
The Summit themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth”, aims to demonstrate the African continent’s innovation capacity and affirm a shared commitment to developing common, mutually beneficial solutions based on effective multilateralism and a spirit of transformative partnership.
“From fintech and artificial intelligence to climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy, African solutions are shaping global conversations,” President William Ruto said while welcoming delegates.
Ruto added, “this high-level gathering reflects a renewed and forward-looking partnership between Africa and France, grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a clear commitment to delivering tangible outcomes.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Our priority is clear: to step up investments and strengthen our cooperation programmes in healthcare, education, food, digital technology, energy and infrastructures. In Nairobi, some 1,500 economic stakeholders will be mobilized to transform ambitions into projects and projects into results.”
President Macron added thatbeyond 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.”
“That is why we are spearheading an ambitious reform of international governance, for a fairer, more representative and more effective multilateralism,” the French leader said.
The inaugural Africa Forward Summit brings together leaders from government, business, finance, innovation, youth, and civil society to accelerate actionable solutions across key priority areas, including:
Peace and security
Energy transition and green industrialisation
Reform of international financial architecture
Sustainable and value-added agriculture
Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
Blue economy
Health systems and sovereignty.
