Ruto, Macron champion new Africa-France partnership at Nairobi summit - May 2026

President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron championed a new Africa-France partnership at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, emphasizing mutual respect and shared responsibility over dependency. The summit produced an 11-point declaration focusing on peace, agriculture, health, energy, digital transformation, and economic growth. Ahead of G7 talks, the two leaders advocated for Africa's financial sovereignty and greater role in global decision-making. Meanwhile, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his remarks on the summit, accusing him of undermining Kenya's international standing. Gachagua had dismissed the conference and questioned the motives behind Macron's visit.