Summary
- African Heads of State and global leaders have arrived in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by Kenya and France.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are among key dignitaries attending the talks.
- The summit will focus on trade, industrial growth, infrastructure, technology, and investment opportunities across Africa.
NAIROBI, Kenya- Several African Heads of State and global leaders have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the high-level Africa Forward Summit, a major investment and trade forum co-hosted by Kenya and France.
The summit, scheduled for May 11 and 12 in Nairobi, is expected to shape new economic partnerships between African nations, investors and French businesses at a time when governments across the continent are pushing for industrial growth and infrastructure expansion.
Among the high-profile arrivals were Emmanuel Macron and António Guterres, who landed in Nairobi on Sunday evening ahead of the summit.
African presidents touch down in Nairobi ahead of talks
The leaders began arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Saturday evening as Kenya intensified preparations for the continental gathering.
Other leaders attending include Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Brice Oligui Nguema, Julius Maada Bio, Joseph Boakai and Alassane Ouattara.
Also in Nairobi are Aziz Akhannouch and Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
The summit is expected to attract policymakers, investors, multinational firms and development agencies seeking stronger economic cooperation between Africa and Europe.
Kenya and France deepen economic partnership before summit
Ahead of the summit, William Ruto and Macron held bilateral talks that resulted in the signing of 11 agreements covering strategic sectors.
The agreements are expected to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, energy, logistics, manufacturing and technology.
Officials say the summit discussions will focus heavily on how African countries can attract investment while retaining more economic value locally through industrialisation and regional trade.
The gathering also comes as many African economies seek fresh financing opportunities amid rising debt pressure and slowing global growth.
UN expansion project to feature prominently during summit
As part of the summit activities, President Ruto and Guterres are expected to officially inaugurate the United Nations Nairobi Expansion Project in Gigiri.
The project, approved by UN member states in December 2023, is valued at approximately Sh43.8 billion.
According to officials, the expansion includes modernisation of conference facilities at the United Nations Office at Nairobi and upgrades to office infrastructure aimed at strengthening Nairobi’s position as a global diplomatic hub.
The conference facilities alone are expected to cost nearly Sh34.3 billion, while office block upgrades are projected at around Sh9.6 billion.
