Africa Forward Summit 2026 opens in Nairobi to boost investment and innovation partnerships

Mt Kenya Times

Nairobi is hosting hundreds of global leaders, including heads of state, business executives, investors, and policymakers, for the launch of the Africa Forward Summit 2026, co-hosted by Kenya and France. The two-day high-level meeting, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the University of Nairobi, aims to unlock investment opportunities across Africa in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agriculture, health systems, and digital infrastructure. Organisers expect over 30 African heads of state and more than 4,000 delegates to attend.

The summit, co-chaired by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, marks a shift in France’s Africa engagement strategy, focusing on economic cooperation and innovation rather than security-led partnerships. It brings together discussions on energy transition, green industrialisation, sustainable agriculture, the blue economy, regional security, and reform of the international financial system, with an emphasis on turning ideas into bankable projects.

President Ruto described Africa as being at a defining moment, stressing the continent’s need to attract investment and drive innovation. Macron emphasized a renewed partnership based on shared investment and responsibility.

The summit includes a major business forum at the University of Nairobi with over 2,500 participants engaging in sector-focused sessions and investment matchmaking. It is expected to conclude with the Nairobi Declaration, outlining commitments and implementation frameworks for future Africa-France cooperation.

Hundreds of the delegates, including the presidents arrived in Nairobi over the weekend where they were received by senior government officials. Some held bilateral talks with President Ruto.

Some of the moments as captured in pictures