Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that Kenya is ready to host Africa Forward Summit 2026, which officials describe as one of the country’s biggest diplomatic and economic gatherings.

In a statement issued by the Prime Cabinet Secretary on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Mudavadi confirmed that preparations are all set.

Nairobi will host the Africa Forward Summit on May 11–12, 2026, in partnership with France, an event expected to bring together heads of state and business leaders to advance investment and deepen Africa’s global partnerships.

At the same time, Mudavadi has announced that the government is keen on delivering a world-class forum that demands seamless coordination across.

“Preparations for the Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12) are in full gear, and delivering a world-class forum demands seamless coordination across Government,” Mudavadi said.

“I convened Cabinet colleagues to review progress, align roles and sharpen execution ahead of the Summit in Nairobi, co-hosted by H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. President Emmanuel Macron,” he added.

Delegates at the Summit

The Summit, co-hosted by President William Samoei Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron of France, will bring together thousands of delegates, including Heads of State and Government, policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

“The Summit will bring together over 4,000 delegates, including 30 African Heads of State and Government, to unlock partnerships in innovation, investment and growth, key drivers of jobs and socio-economic transformation for our youth,” Mudavadi said.

The Summit presents a strategic opportunity to advance partnerships in digital innovation, infrastructure, investment, and youth empowerment, all of which are central to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

At the same time, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has affirmed that it remains committed to supporting the digital and technological pillars that will help shape meaningful conversations and outcomes during the Summit.

Africa Forward Summit

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’oei said the programme will run for two days, starting with a business forum on May 11 focused on “Inspire and Connect”, including B2B matchmaking, workshops and sector discussions.

The Heads of State Summit will follow on May 12 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), with plenaries and roundtables expected to culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration.

Officials said talks will focus on seven themes: energy transition and green industrialisation; reform of the international financial architecture; blue economy; sustainable agriculture; AI and digital technologies; resilient health systems; and peace and security.