NAIROBI, Kenya — Several African heads of state and senior global leaders have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the high-profile Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by Kenya and France, as the two-day gathering positions the Kenyan capital at the centre of continental diplomacy and economic discussions.
Presidents, prime ministers and international dignitaries began arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (KICC) from Saturday evening ahead of the summit scheduled for May 11 and 12.
Among the high-profile arrivals on Sunday evening were Emmanuel Macron and António Guterres, both expected to play central roles in the summit’s discussions on trade, investment and Africa-Europe cooperation.
Other leaders who touched down in Nairobi included Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Brice Oligui Nguema, Julius Maada Bio, Joseph Boakai and Alassane Ouattara.
Also attending the summit are Aziz Akhannouch and Navin Ramgoolam.
Focus on investment, trade and industrial growth
The summit is expected to bring together African and French political leaders, investors, policymakers and business executives for discussions centred on expanding trade, infrastructure development, industrialisation and long-term investment partnerships.
At the centre of the talks will be efforts to attract greater investment into sectors including manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, transport infrastructure and digital technology while ensuring African economies retain more local value from their resources and production chains.
Analysts view the summit as part of a broader push by African governments to reposition the continent as a strategic investment destination amid shifting global economic alliances and competition for influence in Africa.
The gathering also comes as France seeks to recalibrate its engagement with African countries following changing geopolitical dynamics across parts of West and Central Africa.
Kenya and France sign strategic agreements
Ahead of the summit, William Ruto and Macron oversaw the signing of 11 bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kenya and France across strategic sectors.
The agreements cover areas including infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, transport, agriculture and education.
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Kenyan officials say the deals are expected to support the country’s broader economic transformation agenda while positioning Nairobi as a regional hub for diplomacy, innovation and international investment.
The summit further reinforces Kenya’s growing role as a host for major international forums and multilateral engagements in Africa.
UN Nairobi expansion project to be launched
As part of the summit activities, Ruto is also expected to join Guterres for the inauguration of the United Nations Nairobi Expansion Project at United Nations Office at Nairobi in Gigiri.
The project, approved by UN member states in December 2023, is estimated to cost about $340 million (approximately KSh43.8 billion).
According to UN officials, the initiative includes a major upgrade of conference facilities at the Nairobi complex valued at $265.6 million, alongside office infrastructure improvements worth about $74.5 million.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Nairobi’s position as the UN’s primary headquarters in Africa and one of the organisation’s key global diplomatic centres outside New York, Geneva and Vienna.
Diplomatic observers say the project also reflects the growing importance of Africa in global governance discussions, climate diplomacy and international development policy.
