By WAKHUNGU ANDANJE
May 13, 2026| Africa is expected to reap significant economic and diplomatic benefits following the conclusion of the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, which wrapped up in Nairobi after two days of high-level engagements focused on trade, innovation, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
The summit, which brought together African leaders, development partners, investors and policymakers, was widely viewed as a major opportunity for Africa and France to redefine their relationship through a forward-looking partnership centred on shared prosperity and long-term transformation.
Hosted by President William Ruto and co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron, the forum sought to reposition Africa not as a recipient of aid, but as an equal strategic partner in global economic growth.
Speaking during the summit in Nairobi, President Ruto said Africa was clear on the priorities needed to unlock its vast potential.
“These include domestic mobilisation of resources for Africa’s development at scale, reform of the international financial architecture, development of transport, logistics and connectivity infrastructure, energy transition and green industrialisation, and youth skills development to foster creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and AI-driven transformation,” he said.
Ruto emphasised that the future demanded stronger cooperation, renewed multilateralism and partnerships grounded not in hierarchy, but mutual respect and shared responsibility.
“It is in this spirit that Africa convenes this summit — in the shared conviction that enduring partnerships must not be built on dependence, but on sovereign equity; not on aid or charity, but mutually beneficial investments; and not on extraction or exploitation, but on win-win engagements,” he said.
The Kenyan leader added that the gathering marked the beginning of a new phase in Africa-France relations.
“Tonight in Nairobi, we gather not only to celebrate the enduring bonds between Africa and France, but also to usher in a bold new era of partnership anchored in shared prosperity, mutual respect and opportunity for our citizens,” he said.
The summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) attracted several African heads of state and government, among them Paul Kagame, Alassane Ouattara, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Hakainde Hichilema, Bola Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, John Dramani Mahama and Abiy Ahmed.
Also in attendance was António Guterres, alongside prime ministers, vice-presidents, diplomats, development agencies, investors and representatives from regional bodies including the African Union.
At State House Nairobi, President Ruto later hosted a state banquet for the visiting delegations attending the inaugural summit.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I extend a warm welcome and deepest appreciation for your presence, engagement and commitment to advancing a stronger and more prosperous future for Africa and its global partners,” Ruto said.
“It is my prayer that this summit will not only strengthen our common resolve, but also deepen the spirit of cooperation that unites us.”
A major highlight of the summit was the Business and Innovation Forum held at the University of Nairobi, where discussions focused heavily on artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and Africa’s digital future.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, accompanied Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in welcoming Presidents Ruto and Macron during the official opening of the forum.
The event brought together more than 700 young innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders from across Africa.
Dr Inyangala described the forum as a transformative platform capable of accelerating Africa’s technological and scientific advancement.
“It was truly inspiring to witness the energy, creativity and forward-thinking spirit of Africa’s young generation — a true reflection of a continent that is daring, inclusive and ready to shape the future,” she said.
She also revealed that discussions were held regarding the progress of the Engineering and Science Complex project being funded by the French government.
According to the PS, once completed and operationalised, the facility will play a critical role in strengthening engineering and science education, research, training and innovation within Kenya’s higher learning institutions.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for investment-driven partnerships, expanded digital opportunities for African youth, and reforms aimed at positioning Africa as a central player in the global economic order.