Africa Forward: key takeaways from the Nairobi summit

1. A major summit in Africa

Kenya and France jointly hosted the “Africa Forward: Partnerships between Africa and France for innovation and growth” summit on May 11–12, 2026, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The event brought together heads of state and government from France and several dozen African countries. More than 2,000 participants from the political, economic, and civil society spheres attended, including internationally recognized elite athletes. The European Union, the African Union, international financial institutions, and development banks, including AFD Group, were also represented.

The summit identified solutions to shared challenges facing France and African countries. It also provided the opportunity to amplify the voices of young leaders in an event designed as a platform for dialogue and for showcasing their ideas for the future of the African continent.

“Africa and France are closely connected, with a shared history that includes both periods of hardship and moments of strong partnership. Today, exchanges are deepening. Climate challenges, in particular, are prompting greater attention toward the African continent, which offers concrete solutions,” said Sandra Kassab, Director of the Africa Department at Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

2. Renewing relations between African countries and France

Africa Forward reflects a renewed approach to relations between France and African countries, based on mutually beneficial partnerships and a relationship among equals. It highlighted the outcomes of the shift in approach initiated in 2017, reflecting an inclusive and effective form of multilateralism grounded in the Pact for Prosperity, People, and the Planet, adopted in Paris in June 2023.

The summit was held for the first time in a non-francophone African country and illustrates stronger cooperation between France and all African countries in areas of shared interest.

3. A focus on economic priorities

The Africa Forward summit was primarily focused on economic issues, including reform of the international financial architecture, the energy transition, green industrialization, the blue economy, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.

The private sector, civil society, and diaspora play a key role in renewing the relationship between the African continent and France. Their capacity for innovation, along with the development of concrete, shared solutions to today’s major challenges, were therefore central to the summit’s agenda.

A business forum brought together, through workshops and meetings, senior executives from African and French companies, leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as young entrepreneurs and public sector representatives. The objective was to foster economic partnerships.

“This is a continent where the economic fabric relies heavily on the dynamism of individual entrepreneurs. Addressing issues of inclusion, support for SMEs, and entrepreneurship is essential to meet the challenges of economic prosperity and inclusion, particularly for young people and women,” said Sandra Kassab.

4. The mobilizing role of AFD Group

AFD Group, (AFD, Proparco, and Expertise France) is building partnerships across the African continent. In 2025, Africa accounted for 30% of the Group’s total financial activity, estimated at €13.7 billion.

A longstanding partner in Africa, AFD Group plays a key role in mobilizing the private sector to support the many sustainable development projects implemented across the region, delivering concrete and significant impacts.

It is also active in international discussions on the development finance architecture, promoting an ambitious vision that combines impact, sovereignty, and balanced partnerships.

“Supporting transitions through our financing, our expertise, and our network is at the heart of our work on the continent today,” noted Sandra Kassab.