Ruto reveals details of his meeting with French Ambassador ahead of key global summits
By Mustafa Juma, April 7, 2026President William Ruto has disclosed details of a high-level meeting with French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, highlighting deepening ties between Kenya and France as the two nations prepare for major upcoming global engagements.
Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after the meeting that was held at State House, Nairobi, Ruto described Kenya–France relations as “strong and cordial”, anchored on shared values and mutual interests, with France now ranking among Kenya’s leading investors.
Ruto noted that both countries are broadening collaboration across critical sectors aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development.
These include green industrialisation, the blue economy, agriculture, health, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and education.
According to the president, the strengthened partnership is designed to unlock new opportunities for citizens in both countries while reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional economic hub.
“Kenya and France enjoy strong, cordial relations grounded in shared values and mutual interests, with France emerging as one of Kenya’s leading investors,” Ruto stated.
“We are expanding cooperation across key sectors, including green industrialisation, the blue economy, agriculture, health, the digital economy, infrastructure, and education, to unlock greater opportunities for our people.”
Africa Forward Summit
A key highlight of the meeting was joint preparations for the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from May 11–12, 2026.
Ruto emphasised the significance of Kenya hosting the summit for the first time outside a Francophone country, terming it a milestone in expanding the platform’s inclusivity and global relevance.
“We reviewed our joint preparedness to host the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12, marking the first time the Summit will be held in a non-Francophone country, and a significant milestone in broadening its reach and impact,” Ruto stated.
The summit is expected to convene global leaders, policymakers, and investors to deliberate on key issues affecting Africa’s development trajectory.
At the summit, Kenya and France are expected to co-lead discussions on reforming the international financial architecture and strengthening secure, sustainable economic partnerships.
These discussions are likely to focus on improving access to financing for developing economies, addressing debt vulnerabilities, and enhancing equitable participation in global financial systems.
G7 Summit
Ruto also confirmed that Emmanuel Macron has invited Kenya to participate in the upcoming G7 Summit.
Ruto described the invitation as a significant opportunity to advance Africa’s priorities on the global stage.
Coming immediately after the Africa Forward Summit, the G7 meeting is expected to provide a platform for Kenya to bridge regional perspectives with global decision-making processes.
“We also discussed the upcoming G7 Summit, to which Kenya has been invited by President Emmanuel Macron. Coming immediately after the Africa Forward Summit, the G7 Summit presents an important opportunity to carry forward Africa’s priorities into global deliberations and reinforce the link between regional perspectives and global decision-making,” Ruto noted.
The meeting underscores Kenya’s growing diplomatic engagement with major global powers and its ambition to play a more prominent role in shaping international policy conversations.
France, a key partner in trade and investment, has increasingly supported Kenya’s development agenda, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development projects.