Kenya will host the 2026 Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, marking a major shift in how global meetings involving Africa are held.
The summit, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, will take place in May 2026 and will bring together leaders from Africa, Europe, and Asia. It is the first time this summit will be held outside France and the first time it will be hosted in a non Francophone African country.
This decision reflects a clear change in approach. For many years, similar summits linked to Africa and France were held in France and often shaped by European priorities. By choosing Nairobi, the focus moves closer to the continent and places African countries at the center of discussions that affect them.
Macron has said the summit is meant to reshape relations between Africa, Europe, and Asia by allowing Africa to take a leading role in setting the agenda and guiding conversations.
Kenya and France will jointly host the event. This plan was first agreed upon in September 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
At that time, President William Ruto and President Macron confirmed their intention to break from tradition by selecting an African city as the venue.
Kenya’s selection is notable because French is not an official language in the country, and Kenya is not a member of the Francophonie. This signals an effort to widen engagement beyond historical and linguistic ties.
President William Ruto and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during the past engagement. Photo Courtesy: File
The summit is expected to focus on practical issues that affect daily life and long term development. Climate action will be a key topic, with leaders discussing how to deal with climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Energy will also be discussed, especially access to clean and affordable power. Artificial intelligence will be examined for how it can support development, innovation, and better services. Industrial growth will be another focus, with attention on how Africa can strengthen manufacturing and create jobs.
Other areas on the agenda include the blue economy, which looks at responsible use of ocean resources for trade and employment.
Agriculture will address food security, modern farming, and resilience to climate shocks. Health issues may cover preparedness for future pandemics and improving access to healthcare.
Global financial reforms will also be discussed, with calls for fairer systems that give African countries a stronger voice in lending and investment decisions.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Many see it as a positive step that gives Kenya greater visibility and influence on the global stage. Some people have expressed pride in Nairobi hosting such an important meeting.
Others have raised concerns about foreign influence and the wider political and economic context in Kenya. These views reflect ongoing debates about international partnerships and national interests.
Despite differing opinions, the summit offers an opportunity for open dialogue on shared challenges. Hosting the event in Nairobi allows African leaders to engage global partners on home ground.
