Kagame Joins African Leaders at Africa-France Summit in Nairobi

Paul Kagame arrived in Nairobi on Monday to participate in the high-level Africa Forward Summit, a major gathering focused on strengthening cooperation between African nations and France.

The summit is jointly led by William Samoei Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, bringing together African leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the continent’s future development agenda.

During the summit, President Kagame is expected to chair a discussion on the use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how innovation can accelerate Africa’s transformation. He is also scheduled to deliver remarks to African and French business leaders on sustainable industrialization and the use of clean energy solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said the summit will also focus on peace and security, as well as strategies to help African countries access financing needed to implement major development projects.

Speaking from Nairobi, Nduhungirehe added that heads of state and government officials are discussing economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities designed to strengthen partnerships between Africa and France.

According to organizers, all discussions at the summit are aimed at promoting Africa’s development through mutually beneficial cooperation with France.

More than 4,000 participants are expected to attend the event, including over 25 heads of state and government, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators. The summit is also expected to issue a declaration outlining the future direction of Africa-France cooperation.

Other leaders attending the summit include Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daniel Chapo, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mohamed Cheikh Ould Ghazouani, and Mamadi Doumbouya.