Forward Summit 2026: Kenya, France Tap Uganda to Co-Host Africa Gathering

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), Hon. John Mulimba, on December 3rd, 2025, held a meeting with H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France to Uganda, and H.E. Joash A. Maangi, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions focused on preparations, priorities, and the strategic direction of the Africa–France Forward Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi on 11–12 May 2026, co-hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron.

Ambassador Leroy outlined the key thematic areas proposed for the Summit—developed through consultations between France, Kenya, and other African partners. These include agro-processing, energy transition, connectivity and transport, artificial intelligence and digital technology, and health.

High Commissioner Maangi noted that, given the strong brotherly relations between Kenya and Uganda and the alignment of their development priorities, Uganda has been invited to participate as a co-host, rather than as a regular guest.

Hon. Mulimba welcomed the forthcoming Summit, describing it as an opportunity to deepen Africa–France engagement. He highlighted France’s role as one of Uganda’s major sources of foreign direct investment—especially in the oil and gas sector—and expressed strong support for the proposed agenda, particularly joint infrastructure financing such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which he identified as a national priority.

Emphasising Africa’s aspirations for a new era of cooperation beyond traditional development assistance, Hon. Mulimba said: “Africa does not expect business as usual. The Summit will be a game-changer, whose outcomes will guide relations between Africa and other development partners.”

Ambassador Leroy added that the Summit is expected to culminate in the Nairobi Declaration, which will subsequently be presented for adoption by the G7, under France’s presidency beginning June 2026.