Africa Forward: Strengthening economic partnerships between Africa and France

Held on May 11 and 12, 2026 in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, “Africa Forward” was a summit co-hosted by France and Kenya. The event highlighted the strengthening of economic cooperation between France and Africa, with a move towards more operational projects, based on investment, industrialization and local integration. Bringing together African and European public and private stakeholders, the summit sought to promote the development of tangible and sustainable projects across the African continent.

A forum supporting tangible projects

To mark the summit, Business France jointly organized the “Inspire & Connect” business forum with Bpifrance and Proparco, bringing together more than 2,000 African and European decision-makers. This event facilitated numerous B2B and B2G meetings, highlighting several shared priorities: cross-investment, co-production, industrial development, employment and local value creation. France’s overseas territories also featured prominently, serving as economic gateways to East Africa.

Key figures:

• 62 businesses supported
  Over 6,000 participants at “Inspire & Connect”
  571 B2B meetings organized during the business forum
  B2G meetings for 22 firms with eight African government ministers
  15 members of the French Parliament involved in the event
   

© Groupe Agence Française de Développement

The event also included the presentation of the “V.I.E Africa” grand prize, recognizing the international commitment of French businesses, in the presence of Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Sophie Sidos-Vicat, President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE).