Nairobi: Mr Nicolas Forissier, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, emphasized France’s eagerness to forge a mutually beneficial partnership with Africa to ensure a stable future for younger and upcoming generations. Forissier expressed these views during the 2026 Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, which focused on “Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation and Growth.”
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Forissier highlighted the summit’s success, noting that attendance exceeded expectations. While organizers anticipated between 3,000 and 4,000 participants, the business forum alone attracted over 7,000 attendees, including African and French chief executives. The summit presented numerous opportunities for business networking and collaboration among high-level individuals and companies.
Forissier remarked on the positive atmosphere and the genuine willingness to collaborate that characterized the summit. He stated that significant investments were pledged, totaling 23 billion euros, with 14 billion euros from the French side and 9 billion euros from the African side. Investment areas include infrastructure, transport, energy, health, agriculture, food industry, and digital technology. Forissier expressed optimism that Africa’s population would double over the next two decades, reinforcing the importance of these partnerships.
The minister reiterated France’s commitment to working with African youth to build a sustainable legacy for future generations. He emphasized the need for continued meetings and partnerships, which would create job opportunities and activities beneficial to both continents.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries, also spoke at the summit, discussing the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028. Dangote underscored the importance of refining infrastructure for African countries, aiming to shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods locally.
Dangote highlighted the challenges faced by African farmers due to increased costs of farm inputs and called for diplomatic resolutions to global tensions affecting the economy. The summit was attended by French President Mr Emmanuel Macron, Kenyan President Mr William Ruto, and other African leaders, along with chief executive officers and industry captains.