Kenya to Host 2026 Africa–France ‘Africa Forward’ Summit: What You Need to Know
Kenya will host the 2026 Africa–France “Africa Forward” Summit in Nairobi, following AU and French consultations, underscoring renewed diplomatic, trade and development engagement between African states and France.
Kenya has been chosen to host next year’s Africa–France Summit, known as “Africa Forward”, marking a major diplomatic event that aims to strengthen cooperation between the continent and France.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with H.E. George Orina, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, and H.E. Alexis Lamek, France’s Ambassador to the African Union, to finalize arrangements for the summit. During the meeting, the ambassadors officially extended the invitation for the event to be co-hosted in Nairobi in 2026.
- Kenya – host country, represented by Ambassador George Orina
- France – co-host and key international partner, represented by Ambassador Alexis Lamek
- African Union – coordinating continental engagement, represented by Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
The summit is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2026. Preparatory discussions began in late 2025 between AU officials and the respective country ambassadors.
The Africa–France Summit provides a high-level platform for political, economic, and developmental dialogue. It will allow African leaders and French officials to discuss trade, investment, security, climate change, and partnership strategies that shape Africa’s growth trajectory.
For Kenya, hosting the summit represents an opportunity to position itself as a hub for international diplomacy and continental cooperation. For France, the event underscores its continued engagement and commitment to Africa’s development and strategic partnership.
The Africa–France Summit, branded as “Africa Forward”, has become a key forum for dialogue between African nations and France. Past editions have focused on infrastructure, economic recovery, climate action, and governance, reflecting shared priorities and the evolving global role of the African continent.
With Nairobi confirmed as the host city, attention now turns to logistics, security, and agenda-setting for what is expected to be a landmark diplomatic gathering. The summit signals renewed momentum in Africa–France relations and offers an opportunity for African leaders to showcase progress, negotiate strategic partnerships, and define a forward-looking agenda for continental development.
