Uganda, Kenya to Co-Host Major France–Africa Summit

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), Hon. John Mulimba, on Wednesday held a high-level consultative meeting with H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France to Uganda, and H.E. Joash A. Maangi, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.

The discussions centered on preparations, agenda-setting, and priority areas for the upcoming Africa–France Forward Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 11–12 May 2026. The Summit will be co-hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmanuel Macron of France.

Ambassador Leroy said France, working closely with Kenya and other stakeholders, has identified key thematic areas for the Nairobi Summit. These include; agro-processing, energy transition, connectivity and transport, artificial intelligence and digital technology, and health—all of which align with Africa’s development aspirations.

Kenya’s High Commissioner, Amb. Maangi, emphasized the deep and historic bonds between Kenya and Uganda, noting that these shared priorities informed Uganda’s invitation as a co-host, rather than a mere participant.

Hon. Mulimba welcomed the Summit’s objectives, describing it as a timely platform to redefine Africa–France relations. He highlighted France’s longstanding role as one of Uganda’s top sources of foreign direct investment, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

He further expressed optimism about proposed agenda items, including financing for major joint infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which he described as a critical priority for Uganda.

Hon. Mulimba underscored that Africa is seeking a new model of cooperation that moves beyond traditional aid frameworks.

“Africa does not expect business as usual. The Summit will be a game-changer, whose outcomes will guide relations between Africa and other development partners,” he said.

Amb. Leroy noted that deliberations from the Summit are expected to culminate in the Nairobi Declaration, a strategic document France intends to champion for adoption by the G7, which it will chair beginning June 2026.