NAIROBI, kenya — Kenya is hosting the inaugural Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi on May 11 and 12, with more than 30 African Heads of State and Government expected to attend alongside thousands of global investors, innovators and development partners.
The two-day summit, being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, is co-chaired by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Kenya ahead of the conference.
According to organisers, more than 4,000 delegates and approximately 2,500 business leaders, investors, policy experts and development actors from Africa, France and other international partners are participating in the event.
The summit is focusing on economic development, financial reforms, energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation and youth innovation, with leaders seeking to strengthen Africa–France partnerships through what organisers describe as a framework based on equal cooperation and shared investment.
The conference comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between African countries and France as both sides seek deeper economic partnerships and new investment opportunities across the continent.
State House Nairobi hosted several visiting Heads of State on Sunday, with President Ruto and Macron holding bilateral discussions before addressing the media on Kenya–France strategic cooperation.
Held under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the summit is expected to shape future cooperation on trade, climate financing, technology and industrial development.
The event also underscores Kenya’s growing role as a regional diplomatic and innovation hub within Africa.
Meanwhile, Nairobi residents are expected to experience significant traffic disruptions during the summit period due to heightened security measures and road closures around the venue.
The National Police Service announced that several roads would remain temporarily closed starting midnight, including City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Taifa Road.
Authorities warned that traffic flow may also be affected along major corridors such as Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, Kiambu Road and sections of the Nairobi Central Business District.
Police urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officers and observe all traffic regulations during the summit.
“All motorists are urged to be patient, strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations, and follow the guidance of officers stationed along the affected routes,” the service said in a statement.
Security has been intensified across Nairobi ahead of the high-level gathering, with multiple agencies coordinating operations to ensure the smooth running of the summit and the safety of visiting dignitaries.
