𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚-𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

President William Ruto has called for a win-win partnership between Africa and France built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Speaking during the opening of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, President Ruto said the forum presents a unique opportunity for Africa and France to forge a forward-looking partnership that delivers shared progress while advancing Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

He said the partnership must not be built on dependency but on sovereign equality, not on aid or charity but on mutually beneficial investment, and not on extraction or exploitation but one that delivers value for both parties.

The President urged African countries to strengthen continental financial institutions, mobilize domestic resources, and accelerate investments in infrastructure, industrialization, clean energy, innovation, youth empowerment, and regional connectivity as key drivers of sustainable growth.

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France and Europe’s commitment to supporting Africa’s aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, noting that France and Kenya would jointly champion Africa’s agenda at the United Nations and during the Evian G7 engagements.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted Africa’s vast renewable energy potential and called for reforms to address high borrowing costs, climate injustice, and unfair exploitation of Africa’s critical minerals.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf described Africa as the future engine of global growth and urged stronger collaboration among leaders and development partners to unlock the continent’s potential.

The summit opened with renewed calls for solidarity, inclusive growth, and stronger partnerships aimed at positioning Africa as an equal and strategic player in shaping the future global orde