Kenya to Host Africa Forward Summit 2026 as 30 Heads of State Confirm Attendance

The Kenyan government has announced that Nairobi will host the Africa Forward Summit 2026 from May 11 to 12, bringing together African leaders, global development partners, investors, innovators and civil society representatives for high-level discussions on Africa’s development agenda and global partnerships.

In a statement issued Friday at Lake Naivasha Resort, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the summit marks a historic milestone as it will be held outside the Francophonie bloc for the first time.

According to the government, the summit is expected to strengthen Africa-France cooperation while promoting an Africa-led partnership model focused on mutual respect, sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The event comes ahead of France’s G7 Presidency in June 2026 and is expected to provide a platform for African leaders to push for reforms in global governance and economic systems.

President William Ruto is expected to use the summit to advocate for equitable global partnerships, sustainable financing, and stronger African representation in international decision-making forums.

The summit agenda will focus on reforms of the global financial system, climate financing, peace and security, artificial intelligence, agriculture, food security, blue economy development, healthcare and local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The programme will also feature business forums, innovation platforms, youth engagements, cultural showcases and civil society discussions aimed at boosting investment and job creation across the continent.

A major cultural event dubbed the Africa Forward Concert will be held at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on May 12 and will feature international musicians and creative industry showcases.

In addition, a youth-focused event at the University of Nairobi will address employability, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The government said parallel ministerial meetings will discuss peace and security, including reforms to the United Nations Security Council and Africa’s push for greater representation in the global body.

So far, Kenya has received 55 confirmations for the summit, including 30 heads of state and government from countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Egypt, Somalia, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of the Congo among others.

Representatives from international organizations including the African Union Commission, International Monetary Fund, United Nations Environment Programme and the African Development Bank are also expected to attend.

Among the anticipated outcomes are the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Africa-France Partnership, new investment and financing commitments, and expanded cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and digital transformation.

The government also revealed that Kenya and France are expected to formalize partnerships in tourism, fisheries, the blue economy and energy, including peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Mwaura announced that Kenya is preparing to commission a nuclear power plant in Siaya County in 2027, expected to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity to complement geothermal energy expansion projects.

The government further warned Nairobi residents to expect temporary traffic disruptions between May 10 and May 12 due to the movement of visiting dignitaries and summit activities.

Motorists have been advised to expect intermittent disruptions along major roads including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road and Kiambu Road.

City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Taifa Road will also be closed to the public from midnight on May 11, with access restricted to authorized summit vehicles heading to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The government also urged Kenyans to remain vigilant during the ongoing heavy rains and heed public safety advisories related to floods and landslides.