Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Nairobi ahead of the highly anticipated Africa Forward Summit, which is bringing together heads of state, global business leaders, policymakers, and investors from across Africa and beyond.

Tinubu landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the wee hours of Monday, May 11, 2026, where he was received by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.

In a statement shared via his official X account after the arrival, Ruku said the summit reflects Kenya’s growing efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with African and global partners.

“Ahead of the Africa Forward Summit expected to start this morning, I received the President of Nigeria H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu at JKIA, Nairobi as Kenya continues to strengthen bilateral relations with other African and global partners,” Ruku stated.

More African leaders arrive in Nairobi

Tinubu is among several African leaders who have arrived in Kenya for the summit.

Earlier in the evening, Ruku also received Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros.

Also arriving in Nairobi was Letsie III, the King of Lesotho.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier been officially received by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.

Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to focus on economic transformation, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, green energy, climate action, trade partnerships, and youth empowerment.

Kenya is hosting the summit as part of broader efforts to position Nairobi as a leading continental hub for diplomacy, innovation, and investment.

Government officials say the gathering offers African countries an opportunity to shape a more balanced and action-oriented partnership framework with global partners.

Growing diplomatic significance of Nairobi

The arrival of multiple heads of state underscores Nairobi’s increasing diplomatic and strategic importance within Africa.

In recent years, Kenya has hosted a series of major international forums involving presidents, global investors, development institutions, and multinational corporations.

Beyond the summit, several leaders are also expected to hold bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, technology, health, and security.

Discussions at the summit are expected to place strong emphasis on job creation for Africa’s youth population, digital transformation, sustainable development, and regional economic integration.