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 on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Mudavadi received the symbolic ceremonial key of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), marking Kenya’s full readiness to host this landmark continental gathering.

“On 11th and 12th May, Nairobi will become the meeting point of Africa’s voice, ambition and future as Kenya hosts the Africa Forward Summit. Today, I officially received the symbolic ceremonial key of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), marking Kenya’s full readiness to host this landmark continental gathering,” Mudavadi stated.

The handover was led by KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura, through Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano formally transferring operational responsibility of the venue to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the key event.

“I commend the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, KICC management and staff, the Summit Secretariat, our French partners, security agencies, protocol and technical teams, and all institutions that have worked tirelessly over the past months to prepare for this historic moment. Kenya is ready. Africa is ready,” he added.

Africa Forward Summit

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.

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.

In addition, 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.

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.