Uganda has officially been named co-host of the 2026 Africa–France Forward Summit, a high-level gathering set to take place from May 11–12, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The announcement was made by John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), following a meeting held on December 3, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.
The meeting brought together Minister Mulimba, France’s Ambassador to Uganda Virginie Leroy, and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Joash A. Maangi, who discussed Uganda’s priorities and the broader strategic agenda for the Summit. The event will be jointly co-hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmanuel Macron of France.
Summit to Focus on Key Sectors for Africa’s Future
Ambassador Leroy revealed that consultations with Kenya and regional partners had identified several key priority areas for the 2026 Summit. These include:
Agro-processing and food security
Energy transition and green growth
Connectivity and transportation infrastructure
Artificial intelligence and digital innovation
Healthcare systems and resilience
She noted that these thematic areas reflect both Africa’s fast-changing development needs and France’s intention to foster partnership-driven cooperation rather than traditional donor-driven engagement.
Uganda’s Regional Role Strengthened
Kenya’s High Commissioner, Amb. Maangi, highlighted that Uganda’s upgrading from a guest nation to official co-host demonstrates the deep historical ties between the two countries and their aligned regional priorities.
Minister Mulimba welcomed the decision, calling the Summit a timely opportunity for renewed cooperation between Africa and France. He praised France as one of Uganda’s most consistent sources of foreign direct investment—particularly in oil, gas, and energy development.
Uganda to Champion Major Infrastructure Financing
Mulimba emphasized that Uganda plans to use the Nairobi Summit to advocate for financing of major regional infrastructure projects, especially the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which the country considers a top national and regional priority.
He added that the Summit aligns with Africa’s call for a new model of cooperation, stressing partnership, equity, and shared strategic goals:
“Africa does not expect business as usual. The Summit will be a game-changer whose outcomes will guide relations between Africa and development partners.”
Nairobi Declaration to Shape Global Policy
Ambassador Leroy confirmed that deliberations and commitments from the Summit will culminate in the Nairobi Declaration, a key document expected to be adopted by the G7 under France’s presidency starting June 2026. The declaration will outline Africa–France cooperation priorities for the next decade, with emphasis on innovation, climate action, economic transformation, and inclusive growth.
The 2026 Africa–France Forward Summit is expected to attract heads of state, global investors, policy experts, and leaders from across the African continent and Europe.
