Macron Begins Africa Tour with Kenya Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a multiday tour of Africa on Saturday, cohosting the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 11 and 12 alongside Kenyan President William Ruto. The gathering, the first of its kind in an English-speaking African nation, draws more than 30 heads of state, over 2,000 business leaders and 4,000 delegates to discuss economic partnerships, innovation and sustainable growth.

The summit focuses on key areas including energy transition, green industrialization, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, health, the blue economy and reforms to the international financial architecture. French and Kenyan officials described it as a platform for actionable investments and deals, emphasizing Africa's priorities in a unified continental approach. "The Africa Forward summit marks a major milestone in relations between France and the African continent," the Elysee Palace stated. Attendees include heads of multilateral development banks, civil society representatives, youth leaders and artists, with events such as a business forum and a concert featuring performers like Youssou N'Dour and Fally Ipupa.

The visit comes as France repositions...