Trade and foreign minister delegates meeting in Paris say summit significant Kenya 's central role in France’s renewed commercial ties with Africa is emerging with President Emmanuel Macron expected in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit on May 11. On Tuesday, top trade and foreign minister delegates meeting in Paris highlighted the significance of the summit, seen as 'history in the making'.
The Africa Forward meet will be held in an anglophone country for the first time, signalling a deliberate pivot by Macron’s administration to broaden its engagement beyond traditional francophone strongholds. It also places William Ruto’s government at the heart of efforts to reshape trade relations between Europe and Africa.
France’s Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness minister Nicolas Forissier said Kenya is playing a “pivotal role in baking new rules of engagement” between France and African economies. “At the Africa Forward Summit, France will be seeking a new trade order with Africa, anchored on mutual respect and shared opportunities,” Forissier said.
The Africa Forward Summit was launched in the late 2010s as part of France’s broader strategy to modernise its economic diplomacy with Africa. Initially focused on strengthening ties with francophone nations, the forum has evolved into a multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together governments, investors, development financiers, and private sector leaders.
It is focused on promoting sustainable investment and industrialisation and expanding trade beyond raw materials. It is also supporting African-led development priorities and strengthening public-private partnerships. Over the years, the summit has facilitated billions of euros in project commitments, particularly in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and digital transformation.
However, its expansion into anglophone Africa, starting with Nairobi, marks a significant strategic shift. The Nairobi summit comes amid intensifying global competition for African markets and resources.