Africa Forward Summit, Signaling a New Era of Africa–France Partnership

In a move set to redefine international cooperation for the 21st century, the Republic of Kenya and the French Republic will co-host the inaugural Africa Forward Summit (AFS) 2026 in Nairobi on May 11–12.

This historic event marks the first time such a high-level summit is held in an English-speaking African nation, signaling a decisive shift away from historical silos toward a unified, continental approach to growth. The Summit comes ate a pivotal turning point globally. From the climate crisis to the rapid frontier of technology, today’s modern challenges demand a strategic reset.

For decades, narratives about Africa have been pre-written by others, often emphasizing on risk, fragmentation, and conflict. Simultaneously, the relationship with France has often been viewed through the lens of a donor-recipient dynamic. The Africa Forward Summit seeks to disrupt these binaries.

It moves past the ‘Francophone vs. Anglophone’ divide to engage with Africa as a single, dynamic market of 1.5 billion people. This is not a meeting to “declare” a relationship, but to build one on the ground, led by the innovators, entrepreneurs, and young creatives who are the true digital natives of the continent. The AFS 2026 is designed as an implementation-focused platform, prioritizing bankable investments over traditional diplomatic communique.

As Angola’s development plan seeks to diversify the economy, emphasis may be placed on sustainable agricultural as a key pillar of diversification; building a resilient health system though local production of medical products green industrialisation; maritime governance issues and, peace and security. These national priorities fall within the scope of the Summit’s seven thematic agenda.

For more information, visit: www.africaforwardsummit.go.ke

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Historical State visit to Kenya