Kenya and France have formalized a partnership to host the Africa Forward Summit, a high level gathering expected to shape Africa’s collective position ahead of the Group of Seven summit scheduled for June.
The agreement, signed Tuesday, commits both countries to jointly organize the summit in May, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet signed the hosting instruments in Nairobi.
In a statement, Sing’Oei said the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to delivering a results driven summit. He noted the meeting will aim to consolidate Africa’s priorities and amplify its voice in global decision making forums.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to convene heads of state, policymakers, civil society representatives and private sector leaders. Discussions will focus on climate action, economic reforms and sustainable development, key issues shaping Africa’s future.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit outcomes will help define Africa’s unified position ahead of the G7 Summit.
The signing follows Kenya’s participation in preparatory engagements linked to the G7 process. On 25 March, Sing’Oei represented the country at the G7+ Sherpas meeting held in Aix en Provence, France, a key forum for shaping the agenda and expected outcomes of the June summit.
France, which will host the 2026 G7 Summit, has invited Kenya alongside Korea, Brazil and India to contribute to shaping a broader global consensus. The initiative reflects growing recognition of the need to include emerging and developing economies in global governance discussions.
Sing’Oei said President William Ruto, together with the chairperson of the African Union Commission, is expected to present Africa’s position during the G7 deliberations.
Key issues under discussion include global macroeconomic stability, equitable development partnerships, resilience in critical commodity value chains and the creation of safer digital ecosystems.
Kenya has positioned itself as a key diplomatic hub in advancing Africa’s global agenda. Officials say the Africa Forward Summit will serve as a platform to translate shared continental priorities into practical outcomes.
“Kenya remains committed to advancing Africa’s agenda by translating shared principles into practical outcomes,” Sing’Oei said.
The G7 brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside the European Union, to address global economic governance, security and development challenges.
