Ruto hosts state dinner in honour of leaders attending Africa Forward Summit
By Mustafa Juma, May 12, 2026President William Ruto on Monday evening, May 11, 2026, hosted a state banquet at State House, Nairobi, in honour of heads of state and government attending the inaugural Africa Forward Summit 2026.
The high-profile dinner brought together African leaders, diplomats, government officials, and international delegates participating in the summit currently taking place in Nairobi.
Ruto welcomes global delegates
Taking to his official X account moments after the banquet, Ruto said the gathering was not only a celebration of the relationship between Africa and France, but also the beginning of a new phase of cooperation focused on shared prosperity and mutual respect.
“Tonight in Nairobi, we gather not only to celebrate the enduring bonds between Africa and France, but also to usher in a bold new era of partnership anchored in shared prosperity, mutual respect, and opportunity for our citizens,” Ruto stated.
The President thanked the visiting leaders and delegates for attending the summit and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African nations and global partners.
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.
Leaders attending summit
The summit has attracted several heads of state and senior leaders from Africa and beyond, including Emmanuel Macron, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Azali Assoumani, Paul Kagame, and Alassane Ouattara.
Also present are business leaders, policymakers, investors, and diplomats participating in discussions around Africa’s economic transformation and future global partnerships.
Africa Forward Summit agenda
The Africa Forward Summit is focusing on issues including artificial intelligence, green energy, infrastructure development, digital transformation, manufacturing, climate resilience, and financing for development.
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.