Africa Forward Summit: Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya in Nairobi for a strategic Africa-France summit

The President of the Republic of Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya, is leaving Conakry this Sunday, May 10, 2026, for Nairobi, Kenya, where he will participate in the Africa Forward Summit, scheduled for May 11 and 12. The announcement was made through an official statement from the Presidency of the Republic, specifying that this trip is in keeping with "a pan-African spirit," with the objective of strengthening strategic partnerships between Africa and its international partners.

A major summit for Africa-France relations

Co-chaired by the Kenyan and French presidents, this summit will bring together several African heads of state and government as well as economic actors, young leaders, representatives of civil society, artists and members of the diaspora.

According to the organizers, this meeting marks a new stage in the rebuilding of relations between France and the African continent, nearly a decade after Emmanuel Macron's landmark speech in Ouagadougou.

For the first time, this type of summit is being held in an English-speaking country, with the stated ambition of building more balanced partnerships, based on common interests and the development of populations.

Development, youth, digital technology and security at the heart of the discussions

The discussions will focus on several strategic issues, including health, food sovereignty, digital technology, energy, connectivity, development financing and youth employment.

Peace and security issues will also be addressed, with a particular focus on supporting African mediation efforts and initiatives of the African Union.

May 11 will be primarily dedicated to the economic forum entitled “Inspire and Connect,” highlighting investment opportunities and Franco-African economic partnerships. On May 12, discussions will focus on major global challenges, economic sovereignty, and the competitiveness of African economies.

Guinea at the forefront of major international gatherings

President Mamadi Doumbouya's participation in this summit demonstrates Guinea's desire to strengthen its diplomatic presence on major international stages and to consolidate its strategic partnerships.

This meeting is part of a series of major international events dedicated to the development of the African continent, including the Paris Summit on financing African economies, the African Climate Summit in Nairobi and the recent African Union–European Union meetings.

The recommendations from Nairobi could also influence discussions at the next G7 summit scheduled for June 2026 in France.