Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Abiola Salami of TPP Africa says African leaders should prioritise execution and measurable results, warning that summits can become symbolic without monitoring, evaluation and communication. He called for visible policy reforms in service delivery and trade.
His remarks follow increased public debate and social media claims suggesting that France could set up a military facility in Kenya, particularly in Mombasa and other coastal areas.
Lady Justice Aluoch noted that Africa has 33 voting states, Latin America 28, Eastern Europe 20, Western Europe 25, and Asia-Pacific 19, making a total of 125 countries involved in choosing judges.
Under the Nairobi Declaration, countries agreed to strengthen African financial institutions, including banks, pension funds, and development finance bodies, to play a bigger role in funding infrastructure, industrial growth, and social development programmes.
President William Ruto said Africa must fund its own transformation by mobilising domestic resources and pushing fairer global financial systems. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, he urged investment-driven growth and stronger multilateral cooperation.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged stronger regional integration, infrastructure investment, and policy coordination at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, warning illicit financial flows and instability could derail development goals.
Guterres said Africa is now central in discussions on how to reshape global financial systems that no longer match today’s realities. He argued that many global structures still reflect a world order created in 1945, which no longer fits current economic and political needs.
French President Emmanuel Macron told leaders at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi that Africa–Europe relations should shift to sovereignty, co-investment and equal partnership, announcing €23 billion for African businesses.
Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit at KICC, President William Ruto renewed calls for urgent UN Security Council reform, arguing Africa’s lack of permanent seats weakens legitimacy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres made similar appeals in Nairobi.
Led by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, the committee said the absence was affecting its ability to properly interrogate the ministry’s spending plans and delayed progress on final budget approvals.
The forum was jointly led by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, bringing together heads of state, investors, policymakers and business leaders from different parts of the world.
The campaign gathered pace on Sunday evening shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at State House, Nairobi, when Ruto introduced the former Supreme Court judge to the French leader as Kenya’s official candidate for election to the ICC bench.
The French leader interrupted the session during discussions centred on culture and youth voices, telling delegates that the constant disruptions showed disrespect to those addressing the gathering.
The summit brings together French President Emmanuel Macron and about 30 heads of state in Nairobi, making it one of the largest diplomatic events hosted in Kenya in recent years.
Participants said they had compiled 60 priority proposals after extensive consultations, which have been captured in a white paper set to be submitted to African heads of state attending the summit.
The French President noted that relations between Kenya and France had grown stronger since his first state visit to Kenya seven years ago, which marked the first official trip by a French Head of State to the country.
The governor described the summit as a turning point in relations between African countries and France, adding that leaders attending the meeting must focus on practical solutions that can create opportunities and improve livelihoods.
Set to be held in Nairobi from May 11-12, 2026, the summit brought together heads of state, defense experts, and regional policymakers to discuss security cooperation, economic resilience, and the strengthening of defense partnerships among other important subjects.
In a statement on Sunday, the football body confirmed that Motsepe will participate in the high-level summit before holding talks with regional officials on the progress of AFCON 2027 preparations.
According to the notice, motorists using Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Lang’ata Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road should expect slow movement and periodic disruptions. Authorities have advised road users to consider alternative routes where possible to ease pressure on the affected roads.
President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly host the summit as delegates from Africa and France converge in Nairobi for the high-level meeting.
France is currently Kenya’s fifth-largest foreign investor, with more than 140 French companies operating locally and creating 36,000 direct jobs. French Foreign Direct Investment in Kenya has tripled over the past decade.