More than 30 African and global leaders are expected in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit (AFS) 2026, a high-level meeting co-hosted by Kenya and France to strengthen economic ties and drive sustainable growth across the continent.

The summit, scheduled for 11–12 May, will bring together over 4,000 delegates and 2,000 businesses in what organisers describe as a “critical moment” for Africa’s global partnerships.

Under the theme “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the event aims to move beyond diplomatic dialogue toward practical deals in investment, technology and development.

Organisers say the gathering comes at a time when African economies are seeking new financing models, climate solutions and digital transformation strategies amid global economic uncertainty.

Why It Matters

Africa’s partnerships with global powers are increasingly shifting from aid-based relationships to investment-led collaboration.

The summit is expected to shape how African countries engage with Europe, particularly France, in areas such as green energy, agriculture and digital innovation.

Key sectors on the agenda include:

Energy transition and green industrialisation

Reform of global financial systems

The blue economy

Sustainable agriculture

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies

Analysts say outcomes from these discussions could influence policy direction, funding access and private sector expansion across the continent.

Media Briefing Ahead of Summit

Ahead of the main event, Kenyan and French officials will host a virtual media roundtable on 7 May to outline priorities and expected outcomes.

Participants include:

Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya, Somalia and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat

Senior representatives from partner organisations and the private sector are also expected to join the session.

Organisers say the briefing will provide “a comprehensive preview of the Summit’s agenda, priorities, and expected impact.”

Industry and Expert Perspectives

Economic observers note that Africa’s ability to attract long-term investment will depend on policy stability and infrastructure readiness.

Private sector players are also expected to push for clearer regulatory frameworks and financing mechanisms to support innovation-driven growth.

What’s Next

The outcomes of the summit are expected to include new bilateral agreements, investment pledges and policy frameworks aimed at accelerating development.

Attention will be on whether discussions translate into measurable economic impact, particularly in job creation, technology transfer and sustainable infrastructure.

Hon. Fatoki Abiodun Olumide has paid tribute to Foluke Kafayat Abdulrazaq as she marks her 70th birthday anniversary on April 16, 2026.

In a celebratory message, the convener of the Joreefade Initiative described her as a distinguished professional whose contributions to education, governance, and national development have left a lasting mark.

“Foluke is a proud and hard-working professional whose expertise as a banker, boardroom guru, and educationist of high reputation has impacted our country positively,” he said.

He added that her legacy of service continues to inspire admiration across Nigeria.

Who Is Dr. Foluke Abdulrazaq?

Dr. Abdulrazaq is a Nigerian educationist, administrator, and public figure with decades of experience in both public and private sectors.

She is widely known for her role in shaping educational development and mentoring future leaders.

She is also the Wife of Mutawali of Ilorin placing her at the heart of one of the state’s prominent political families.

Why It Matters

Tributes like this highlight the influence of senior professionals whose work often spans multiple sectors but may not always be widely documented.

Observers say Dr. Abdulrazaq’s contributions reflect the impact of women in leadership, particularly in education and governance.

Her legacy also underscores the role of mentorship and institution-building in national development.

Legacy in Education and Leadership

Supporters describe her as a “boardroom guru” and seasoned administrator who has contributed to policy, institutional growth, and human capital development.

Her work in education is seen as central to her public identity, with many pointing to her influence on younger generations.

Public Recognition and Reactions

Hon. Fatoki noted that her life’s work has earned respect across different sectors.

“You have left an enduring legacy of service… the nation is proud of your record,” he said.

Community leaders and associates have also highlighted her role as a mentor and nation-builder.

What’s Next

As she marks this milestone, analysts say her legacy will likely continue through the institutions and individuals she has influenced.

There is also growing recognition of the need to document and celebrate contributions of senior figures in Nigeria’s development space.

Twelve years after the mass abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) says 89 girls remain unaccounted for, warning the tragedy now symbolises a wider failure of accountability.

The foundation made the statement on the anniversary of the April 14, 2014 attack in northeast Nigeria, where 276 students were kidnapped from their school.

It said that while 187 girls have been rescued or escaped over the years, progress has slowed, with no confirmed recovery recorded in the past year.

“A Metaphor for Neglect”

The Chief Executive Officer of MMF, Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, said the incident has taken on a broader meaning.

“Chibok has become more than a place or a moment in time. It is now a metaphor for neglect—of responsibility, of accountability, and of our collective empathy.”

She added that the global outrage that once followed the abduction has faded, leaving many families still waiting for answers.

Why It Matters

The Chibok abduction became a defining moment in global advocacy, sparking the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

However, MMF says the lack of sustained attention reflects deeper systemic challenges.

“What Chibok exposed was not only a security failure, but a failure of sustained attention—the inability to begin and to finish, to respond and to follow through.”

The foundation warns that continued kidnappings across Nigeria have reinforced fear, particularly among families considering education for girls.

Long-Term Impact on Survivors

Beyond those still missing, the report highlights lasting consequences for survivors and their communities.

Many of the girls who returned experienced disrupted education, trauma, and uncertain futures.

The foundation also noted that more than 40 children were born in captivity and later returned with their mothers, underscoring the prolonged human impact of the crisis.

Calls for Action

MMF is urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to locate the remaining girls and ensure transparency in its operations.

It also called on international bodies, including the United Nations, to renew coordinated action to protect children in conflict-affected areas.

“Chibok must not be remembered only as a tragedy. It must remain a call to action. Until every missing girl is accounted for, this responsibility remains unfinished.”

What’s Next

The foundation says it will continue advocacy efforts through research and storytelling, including a photographic exhibition drawn from Stolen Daughters of Chibok.

The exhibition aims to keep global attention on the human stories behind the statistics.