Does the Africa Forward summit signal a fresh start?

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of the Africa Forward summit held in Nairobi, focusing on partnerships between Africa and France amidst changing diplomatic landscapes.

This week, Spotlight on Africa takes you to the Africa Forward summit hosted by France and Kenya in Nairobi on 11 and 12 May. It marks the first time France has staged such an event in an English-speaking African country, and comes at a moment of change and challenges. Joining Kenyan President William Ruto at the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron is accompanied by some 30 heads of state, as well as between 1,500 and 2,000 French and African business leaders and stakeholders. Young people, artists and athletes are also among those invited. Entitled Africa Forward : Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation and Growth, according to the Élysée its aim is to forge closer ties with East African economies in the wake of a series of diplomatic crises across the Sahel. France to host African summit in Kenya, in bid to ‘diversify alliances' Also on the agenda are discussions on creative and cultural industries as economic drivers, and sport as an emerging frontier for investment and job creation. The energy transition, infrastructure development, regional connectivity and agriculture and food systems are also on the agenda. A new era? According to XN Ikari of the…

People in this episode

Host: RFI English

Guests: William Ruto, Emmanuel Macron

Topics covered

• Africa Forward summit
• diplomatic relations
• economic partnerships
• cultural industries
• youth engagement
• investment opportunities

Keywords

• Africa Forward summit
• William Ruto
• Emmanuel Macron
• East Africa
• diplomatic crises
• economic growth
• cultural industries
• investment
• youth
• agriculture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Nairobi, Sciences Po Paris

Places: France, Kenya, East Africa, Sahel

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