Kenya, France target jobs and investment deals at Nairobi summit
Kenya and France are preparing to anchor a major investment push expected to shape jobs, energy systems, digital growth and infrastructure development across Africa, ahead of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi.
The Summit, scheduled for May 12 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), is being positioned as a shift away from traditional diplomatic discussions towards investment-driven deals and implementation-focused partnerships.
Organisers say between 1,500 and 2,000 global CEOs and business leaders are expected to attend, making it one of the largest Africa–Europe investment gatherings in recent years.
The focus, according to officials, is to connect governments and private capital in ways that translate into real economic outcomes, particularly in sectors affecting jobs and service delivery.
Shift from dialogue to delivery
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’Oei said the Summit reflects a deliberate move to reshape Africa–France relations around practical results.
He said the emphasis is on moving beyond long-standing diplomatic narratives and focusing on measurable investment outcomes.
France, he added, is seeking a “new relationship with Africa” based on shared opportunity, innovation and implementation.
Key sectors in focus
The Summit will prioritise sectors considered central to economic transformation and daily livelihoods, including:
- Artificial intelligence and digital economy jobs
- Energy transition, including renewable and nuclear discussions
- Transport and regional infrastructure development
- Health manufacturing and supply chains
- Agriculture and food systems
- Creative economy and sports industry investment
Officials say these areas were selected because of their direct impact on employment, productivity and cost of living.
France highlights growing investment footprint
France’s Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, said French investment in Kenya has expanded significantly over the past decade.
He noted that more than 140 French companies currently operate in Kenya, with investments estimated at €1.8 billion in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and services.
France is now among Kenya’s leading foreign investment partners and a key player in the energy sector.
Private sector placed at centre of strategy
Officials say governments alone cannot deliver the scale of transformation being discussed.
The Summit is therefore expected to place private investors at the centre of implementation, with capital mobilisation seen as the main driver of outcomes.
Nairobi as a regional investment hub
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to position Nairobi as a key convening point for Africa–Europe economic engagement.
It will conclude with a Nairobi Declaration outlining investment commitments and next steps ahead of the G7 meeting in France in June.
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