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Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya will host the Africa–France Summit in Nairobi on May 11 and 12, 2026, marking the first time the gathering takes place outside France or a Francophone African nation.
Nairobi, Kenya — September 25, 2025 (EAT).
Kenya will host the Africa–France Summit on May 11–12, 2026, in Nairobi, marking the first time the high-level gathering will take place outside France or a Francophone African nation.
The dates were confirmed following deliberations at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2024. The summit, themed Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth, will bring together African and French Heads of State, civil society leaders, business executives, and innovators.
“Together, we announced that Kenya and France will co-host the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on 11 and 12 May 2026. The Summit will bring together African and French Heads of State and Government to drive innovation, foster growth, and shape a future built on mutual benefit,” a joint statement read.
Summit legacy: Traditionally held in France or Francophone nations, the Africa–France Summit has served as a key platform for political, economic, and cultural cooperation since its inception in 1973.
Kenya’s selection: Analysts see Nairobi’s selection as recognition of Kenya’s rising diplomatic profile, anchored in technology, green growth, and infrastructure partnerships with Europe.
Agenda shift: The 2026 summit will focus on innovation, climate resilience, and equitable economic growth amid global calls for reforming trade, investment, and governance systems.
Host agreements: The summit will be governed by bilateral accords between Kenya and France on security, logistics, and diplomatic immunities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
African Union alignment: The summit outcomes will be expected to complement Agenda 2063 priorities on trade, industrialization, and climate action.
Investment treaties: Side events are likely to advance negotiations on France–Africa trade and technology transfer agreements.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry: “This is a moment of pride for Kenya and Africa. Hosting the Summit signals confidence in Nairobi’s capacity to convene transformative global dialogues.”
French Foreign Ministry: “The 2026 Summit will redefine Africa–France relations for a new era of equal partnership and shared growth.”
African Union observers: Analysts expect the summit to align with AU reforms on trade and continental free movement policies.
Participation: Over 50 African and European Heads of State are expected.
Economic agenda: France is Africa’s third-largest European trading partner, with trade volumes exceeding €30 billion in 2024.
Technology focus: Kenya leads Africa in fintech adoption, with M-PESA processing over 10,000 transactions per second as of 2025.
Diplomatic signaling: Kenya’s hosting may shift traditional Francophone influence patterns in Africa toward broader continental engagement.
Economic deals: Potential announcements on climate financing, digital infrastructure, and trade corridors could reshape bilateral ties.
Security challenges: Organizers must address geopolitical instability in parts of the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
The final list of Heads of State attending the summit.
Whether new France–Africa trade agreements will be signed in Nairobi.
How civil society and youth voices will be integrated into official deliberations.
Sept 2024: Summit hosting rights awarded to Kenya at UNGA.
Sept 2025: Dates officially confirmed for May 11–12, 2026.
May 2026: Africa–France Summit convenes in Nairobi.
Preparatory committees: Kenya expected to unveil a national organizing committee by December 2025.
Side events: Innovation and climate forums planned alongside main sessions.
Infrastructure upgrades: Anticipated around Nairobi ahead of the summit.
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