Partnerships between France and African countries focused on investment and innovation

On May 11 and 12, 2026, France and Kenya will co-chair the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, dedicated to partnerships for innovation and growth between Africa and France.

This international event brings together political leaders, international organizations, investors, businesses, and civil society representatives to discuss the major economic and technological challenges facing the African continent.

The summit demonstrates a greater focus on investment, innovation, industrial partnerships, and developing joint solutions to global challenges.

A close and constructive economic relationship focused on the challenges of tomorrow.
Today, France remains one of the continent's leading economic partners:

Trade volume exceeding €65 billion in 2024;
French investment stock worth €51 billion;
More than 4,400 French subsidiaries in Africa;
These companies provide more than 500,000 direct jobs.
The summit highlights various concrete examples of economic and technological cooperation aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and addressing the major challenges of tomorrow. The session dedicated to artificial intelligence demonstrates this dynamism. For the first time at a summit between African countries and France, artificial intelligence became a specific topic of discussion among heads of state. The discussions focused particularly on key themes for African economies: digital infrastructure, data localization, training of African talent, and the development of inclusive and responsible AI governance.

A mobilization for global finance reform
The summit also addresses issues of development financing and reform of global economic governance. In a high-level session, heads of state, public development banks, and private investors will come together to identify concrete solutions for mobilizing more capital for the African continent.

This sequence is consistent with initiatives undertaken by France and various African partners since the New Global Financial Deal Summit held in Paris in 2023.

In an international context marked by uncertainty and the rise of bloc politics, Africa Forward demonstrates that a balanced, sustainable, and results-oriented partnership approach is also possible.

Partnerships between France and African countries focused on investment and innovation

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