Several African heads of state, government officials, diplomats, and international leaders have arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 2026 Africa Forward Summit, a major two-day event focused on trade, investment, innovation, infrastructure, industrialisation, and Africa-France partnerships.
The summit, jointly hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, officially opened on May 11 and is expected to bring together more than 30 African leaders, global investors, business executives, and development partners for discussions on Africa’s economic future.
Vehicles and security convoys were seen across Nairobi as dignitaries landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ahead of the summit. The gathering has already drawn significant international attention because of its focus on reshaping Africa-Europe economic relations and promoting investment-led growth across the continent.
Emmanuel Macron and António Guterres Arrive in Nairobi
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Nairobi on Sunday ahead of the summit, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen practical partnerships between France and African nations.
According to reports, Macron’s visit marks one of the most significant France-Africa diplomatic engagements in recent years, especially as France attempts to strengthen ties beyond its traditional Francophone allies.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also touched down in Nairobi ahead of the summit and the launch of the United Nations Nairobi Expansion Project in Gigiri. He was received by senior Kenyan government officials at the airport.
The UN project, approved in 2023, is expected to cost about $340 million and includes major upgrades to conference facilities and office infrastructure at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
Bola Tinubu Leads Nigerian Delegation to Nairobi
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Nairobi in the early hours of Monday for the summit. Reports stated that his aircraft landed at approximately 12:18 a.m. local time at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Tinubu was received by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, alongside senior Kenyan officials and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kenya.
Nigeria is expected to use the summit to strengthen economic partnerships and discuss investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure, and industrial development.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo was also reported among African leaders arriving in Nairobi for the summit.
His presence adds to the high-profile Nigerian delegation participating in the event, which has attracted political leaders, investors, diplomats, and business executives from across the continent.
Other African Leaders Attending the Africa Forward Summit
Other presidents and leaders who arrived in Nairobi for the summit include:
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Brice Oligui Nguema
- Julius Maada Bio
- Joseph Boakai
- Alassane Ouattara
- John Dramani Mahama
- Évariste Ndayishimiye
- Ismaïl Omar Guelleh
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
- Navin Ramgoolam
- Aziz Akhannouch
The summit has also attracted senior business leaders, policymakers, investors, financial institutions, and development agencies from across Africa and Europe.
What The Africa Forward Summit Is About
The Africa Forward Summit is centered on building new economic partnerships between African countries and France, with discussions focusing on:
- Industrial growth
- Energy transition
- Climate financing
- Manufacturing
- Infrastructure investment
- Technology and innovation
- Trade expansion
- Digital transformation
- Reform of global financial systems
According to summit organisers, the goal is to help African economies attract more investment while ensuring that more economic value remains within the continent.
Ahead of the summit, Kenya and France reportedly signed 11 bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across several strategic sectors, including economic development and infrastructure.
Ruto and Macron Push For New Africa-France Partnership
During the summit opening session, President William Ruto called for a partnership between Africa and France built on equality, mutual respect, and shared economic interests rather than dependency.
“The times before us demand stronger cooperation, renewed multilateralism, and partnerships grounded not in hierarchy, but in sovereign equality, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ruto said.
French President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized the need for a renewed relationship between Africa and France, especially as France seeks to rebuild influence across the continent following strained relations with some former colonies.
Security Tightened Across Nairobi During Summit
Security was significantly increased across Nairobi as delegations continued arriving for the summit. Armoured vehicles, police patrols, and diplomatic convoys were visible around major roads and strategic locations near summit venues and hotels.
The summit is expected to continue through May 12, with several bilateral meetings, investment discussions, and policy sessions scheduled between African leaders, French officials, investors, and international organisations.
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