Kagame in Nairobi for Landmark Africa–France Summit on AI, Trade and Shared Growth

President Paul Kagame has arrived in Nairobi, where he joined heads of state and government officials from across Africa for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Held under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnership for Innovation and Growth,” the summit aims to strengthen cooperation between Africa and France in trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development.

President Kagame is expected to lead high-level discussions on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology, exchanging ideas with fellow leaders on how Africa can harness innovation to accelerate economic growth and create new opportunities for young people.

He is also scheduled to address a forum bringing together leading African and French business executives, focusing on green industries and the transition toward renewable energy solutions.

The summit has attracted more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 heads of state, investors, development partners, and technology entrepreneurs. It is expected to conclude with the release of the Nairobi Declaration on Future Africa-France Cooperation, a roadmap intended to shape a new era of partnership between Africa and France in the years ahead.

On the sidelines of the summit, Presidents Ruto and Macron also took part in a youth-focused dialogue titled “Africa Forward: Future Makers” at University of Nairobi. The event brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to discuss Africa’s future in innovation, technology, climate action, and finance.

Analysts say hosting the summit for the first time in an English-speaking African country like Kenya marks a significant shift in Africa-France relations. The gathering is widely seen as a move that could unlock fresh opportunities in business, technology, and youth empowerment across the continent.