Africa Forward Summit closes with push for equal Africa-France partnership
By Emmanuel Rono, May 12, 2026The two-day Africa Forward Summit concluded in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 with African leaders calling for reforms in global financing systems, increased investment, and stronger partnerships built on equality and mutual respect.
Co-hosted by President William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, the summit brought together more than 30 African heads of state, business leaders, development partners, and innovators at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
During the closing sessions, leaders emphasized the need to reform the international financial architecture, arguing that African countries continue to face unfairly high borrowing costs due to negative risk perceptions by global lenders.
President Ruto said Africa’s challenge was not lack of liquidity but a flawed “risk architecture” that locks the continent out of affordable financing.
Ruto’s appreciation to president Macron
Ruto extended the appreciation to Macron for demonstrating to Africans that he is a true friend who is willing to shape a new forward looking partnership between the West and the Africa.
“Mr President, I want to extend my appreciation for your continued commitment to shaping a new forward-looking partnership between the West and Africa. We thank you so much” Ruto stated.
“I say here without doubt of contradiction that your courage to recalibrate the relationship between the West and Africa. You have taken the lead, and you have demonstrated to us that you are a true friend.”
Focus on stronger partnerships
Ruto said the Africa Forward Summit presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, innovation, climate action, and youth empowerment.
“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,” he said.
He added that Kenya hopes the summit will help shape a stronger collective vision for Africa’s development and global engagement.
Kenya is hosting the event as part of efforts to position Nairobi as a major diplomatic, innovation, and investment hub on the continent.
President Macron’s visit has already seen Kenya and France sign 11 bilateral agreements covering sectors such as transport infrastructure, aviation, digital transformation, agriculture, nuclear energy, and the blue economy.
Officials say the agreements are expected to strengthen economic ties and unlock new opportunities for investment and technological cooperation.