France and Kenya sign landmark agreements worth €170 million during Africa Forward Summit

Co-organised by France and Kenya, the summit brought together 30 African Heads of State, ministers, and business leaders for two days of high-level exchanges, including the Inspire & Connect Business Forum at the University of Nairobi on 11 May and a heads of State and ministerial session on 12 May at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC).

AFD’s group participation in the summit carried particular significance: it marked the first major engagement of incoming CEO Christophe Lecourtier, who assumed office in Nairobi on 11 May, making the Africa Forward Summit the backdrop to a historic moment for the AFD Group.

Renewed commitment to clean energy, digital connectivity and education

On the eve of the summit, AFD formalised with its Kenyan partners two declarations of intent at State House, Nairobi, in the presence of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto. The agreements commit to strategic investments in clean energy and digital connectivity, two sectors at the heart of Kenya’s development agenda and the broader Franco-African cooperation framework. With cumulative AFD financing to Kenya’s energy sector exceeding €1 billion, the declarations build on a long-standing partnership and signal a renewed ambition to accelerate Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, digitally connected economy. The two declarations of intent cover: €85 million to raise the Masinga Dam with KenGen, one of Kenya’s most important clean energy infrastructures, securing electricity supply for millions of Kenyans; and €80 million — jointly funded by AFD, the French Treasury and the European Union — to roll out 3,500 kilometres of fibre optic cables, connecting schools, hospitals and public services across 43 counties.

Three cooperation agreements on energy, water and education

On 13 May at the National Treasury, in the presence of the French Minister Delegate for International Partnerships H.E. Ms Éléonore Caroit and the French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Mr Arnaud Suquet, AFD newly appointed CEO Christophe Lecourtier signed two technical cooperation agreements totalling €1.5 million, mobilising French expertise in support of Franco-Kenyan cooperation in energy and water.

The first strengthens KenGen's expertise in dam safety and hydropower management in partnership with French companies ISL and Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR). The second improves the performance of water distribution operators in Kisumu and Eldoret through French water sector expertise.

On 13 May, during an event celebrating Franco-Kenyan academic cooperation, AFD and the University of Nairobi signed and announced several strategic partnerships, further strengthening Nairobi’s growing role as a regional hub for Franco-African research, innovation and higher education. These announcements notably included an Africa-France academic partnership on agribusiness with a French consortium led by AgroParisTech, and the launch of the Clean and Affordable and Reliable Energy - CARe industrial chair in the Engineering and Science complex partnership programme, that will integrate Kenyan and French companies active in the energy sector to develop, curricula, research and training together providing increased job opportunities for the Kenyan youth. 

“Taking office here in Nairobi, at this historic summit, sends a clear message: Africa is at the heart of AFD’s ambitions. These agreements reflect our commitment to building a partnership with Kenya that is concrete, long term, and rooted in the priorities of its people – from clean energy and digital access to water and job opportunities for young people,” said Christophe Lecourtier, CEO of AFD Group. 

“What we signed this week goes beyond figures and financing. It is a commitment to millions of Kenyans: to the farmer who needs reliable electricity, the student who needs internet access, the patient who needs quality medicines and the youth who are given access to job opportunities through enhanced university curriculum. AFD is proud to stand alongside Kenya in making that future possible,” said Ms Anne-Gael Chapuis, AFD Country Director for Kenya.

Spotlight on sport programmes for inclusion and opportunities in Kenya 

On 11 May, on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Inspire & Connect Business Forum at the University of Nairobi, AFD organised sports demonstrations in the presence of Presidents Macron and Ruto, bringing together youth beneficiaries, high-level athletes, institutional representatives and development partners around basketball, athletics and football. The demonstrations underscored sport as a powerful driver of social cohesion, youth empowerment and economic opportunity across the African continent.

Central to the afternoon was the Basketball Experience Kenya project, co-financed by AFD and the NBA. Launched to provide young Kenyans with access to quality basketball coaching and life skills training, the project was showcased through demonstrations led by its coaches, including inclusive activities designed specifically for young people with disabilities — a powerful reminder that sport is a tool for all.

Athletics activities were supported by Decathlon, Kiprun, the House of Coaches initiative and the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, bringing together young athletes and coaches in the spirit of Franco-African cooperation. Football tournaments were organised with local associations Alive and Kicking, Fútbol Más and Angaza Sport and Development Centre, in partnership with the Football Kenya Federation, highlighting the role of grassroots sport in building stronger communities.

About AFD Group

AFD Group finances and drives the transition to a fairer, safer and more resilient world, working with its partners to support communities all over the world. Drawing on the complementary strengths of its entities – Agence Française de Développement for public financing, Proparco for responsible private investment, and Expertise France for technical expertise – the Group is ideally positioned to meet all sustainable development challenges.

Working in over 160 countries, including France’s Overseas Territories and Departments, the Group adapts its operations to the realities on the ground, actively supporting local initiatives. With over 4,000 projects, whose objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFD Group works on behalf of the French people, together with all stakeholders committed to economic development and the preservation of common goods: climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Working by your side, toward a world in common. 

Media contact

Marine Cecchi |cecchim@afd.fr

Agence Française de Développement 

https://www.afd.fr/fr / https://www.afd.fr/en