“Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect”: Nairobi hosts a forum that goes far beyond mere business issues

The "Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect" Economic Forum, scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, goes far beyond a simple business meeting. Beyond the panels dedicated to energy, digital technology, and sustainable cities, the event primarily reflects the intensification of economic and geopolitical competition surrounding the African continent, which has become a strategic space coveted by several powers.

Co-organized by Bpifrance, Business France, and Proparco, the forum is expected to bring together more than 1,500 business leaders, investors, and public officials. The fact that the event is being held under the patronage of Presidents Emmanuel Macron (France) and William Ruto (Kenya) demonstrates that the stakes extend beyond the private sector alone. It also sends a political signal in a context of rapidly evolving economic relations between Europe and Africa.

For several years, European economic influence on the continent has faced increasingly fierce competition. China has significantly strengthened its presence in infrastructure, transport, and energy. Gulf countries are investing heavily in ports, agriculture, and logistics, while Turkey is expanding its trade agreements, construction projects, and industrial facilities.

The figures illustrate this gradual shift. According to UNCTAD data, China is now among Africa's main trading partners, with trade regularly exceeding $250 billion annually in recent years. At the same time, investments by the United Arab Emirates on the continent have increased significantly, particularly in port and energy infrastructure.

Faced with the rise of new players, European countries are seeking to maintain their position in sectors considered strategic. Energy, agribusiness, digital technology, health, and urban infrastructure are the focus of much of the discussion planned in Nairobi, precisely because they correspond to the areas where a significant portion of African growth will take place in the coming decades.

The choice of Kenya to host this forum is not insignificant. Nairobi has established itself over the years as one of the continent's leading technology and financial hubs, particularly in digital services, fintech, and mobile innovation. The country attracts a growing share of international investment in East Africa and often serves as a regional gateway for many foreign companies.

For Europe, the challenge now lies in defending an economic presence that can no longer rely solely on historical ties. African partners now have a much wider range of diplomatic and financial options, which is profoundly altering the dynamics of negotiations.

This competition also plays out in how projects are financed. While some players offer infrastructure that can be financed quickly, others emphasize environmental criteria, industrial partnerships, or governance requirements. The models differ, but all seek to secure a place in future African markets.

The growing interest in the continent can be explained by several structural factors. Africa is expected to concentrate almost a quarter of the world's population by 2050, according to United Nations projections, while urbanization, energy needs and digitalization are creating considerable markets in many sectors.

In this context, economic forums themselves become instruments of economic diplomacy. They allow states, financial institutions, and large corporations to consolidate their networks, identify investment opportunities, and strengthen their presence in areas that have become strategic for global growth.