A new lease of life for Africa-France partnerships in Nairobi
The choice of Kenya to host this summit is not insignificant. A veritable technological hub and economic powerhouse for East Africa, Kenya embodies an innovative Africa that rejects the logic of blocs. By co-chairing this event with an English-speaking country, France is sending out a strong signal: that of a partnership that transcends traditional linguistic boundaries to focus on real complementarities.
The objective is clear: to accelerate cross-investment and finance concrete solutions to the challenges of the century, from energy transition to digital competitiveness.
Culture as an engine for growth
For us, the readers and players ofAfrica Fashion Tour, the highlight of May 11 will undoubtedly be the session entitled “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion”.
Following in the footsteps of the Creation Africa forums, this sequence will consecrate the cultural and creative industries (CCI) not just as a vector of influence, but as a sector of major economic opportunity.
What to remember about the creative side :
- New narratives: How are fashion, design and audiovisual media shaping the continent’s new imaginaries?
- Economic influence: CCIs are now seen as a pillar of cultural sovereignty and job creation for young people.
- Immersive journey: An artistic journey led by African designers will be inaugurated by the Presidents, offering an exceptional showcase for contemporary talent.
- Heritage: A parallel session will be dedicated to the restitution of cultural property and the promotion of heritage, a subject at the heart of cultural dignity.
[Image of a gathering of young creators and entrepreneurs at the University of Nairobi].
The pillars of innovation
The summit isn’t just about culture. The May 12 program at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) tackles the very structures of tomorrow’s economy:
- Artificial Intelligence: A dedicated roundtable will explore how Africa can get ahead in AI while ensuring sovereign ethics.
- Financial reform: A working lunch will focus on overhauling the international financial architecture to facilitate the mobilization of private capital for African development.
- Sustainable industrialization: French and African CEOs discuss energy transition and “green” industrialization for a continent that no longer wants to be a mere exporter of raw materials.
The voice of a connected generation
The summit will give pride of place to “Future Makers”. 450 young talents from all over France and the African continent will gather at the University of Nairobi to share their ideas. These young leaders, with their high-impact projects, are the driving force behind this renewed relationship.
Towards fairer governance
Africa Forward 2026 is not just another summit. It’s a platform for demonstrating mutual commitment to more inclusive global governance. By combining sport (via the session supported by AFD), culture, technology and finance, Nairobi becomes, for one spring, the laboratory of a shared future between Africa and France.
Africa Fashion Tour will be on hand to follow announcements related to the creative industries and interview the faces that are shaking things up in Nairobi.
Source: Joint press kit Republic of Kenya & French Republic, Africa Forward 2026 Summit.
- AFD and African soft power
- Serge Noukoué, founder of Nollywood Week
- Nono Mayindombé, co-founder of influence agency Manosa
