Nairobi is set to host about 4,000 delegates from across Africa and France for the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a major international gathering aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, investment and sustainable development across the continent.

The summit will take place from 10 to 12 May 2026 and is expected to attract African leaders, senior government officials, business executives, innovators, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the media.

The event is being jointly hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron.

Organisers say the summit will focus on expanding Africa’s global partnerships, boosting trade and investment opportunities, and accelerating innovation in sectors considered critical to the continent’s long-term growth.

Why the summit matters

The gathering comes at a time when African countries are seeking stronger international partnerships to support economic recovery, climate resilience and industrial growth.

According to the summit secretariat, discussions will centre on rural development, sustainable agriculture, the blue economy, healthcare and emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence.

Conveners at a media roundtable said the summit would also explore ways to mobilise private sector funding for development projects across Africa.

Analysts say the meeting reflects growing competition among global powers seeking deeper economic and political ties with African nations, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, digital technology and food security.

The summit is also expected to strengthen economic relations between Kenya and France, while positioning Nairobi as a key diplomatic and investment hub in Africa.

Focus on agriculture, blue economy and AI

Among the major topics expected to dominate discussions are sustainable agriculture and the blue economy — industries seen as vital for job creation and food security across the continent.

Experts say Africa’s vast coastline and marine resources remain underutilised despite their potential contribution to trade, tourism, fisheries and renewable energy.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently during the summit as governments and investors examine how emerging technologies could improve healthcare, education, agriculture and public services.

Development partners attending the event are likely to push for stronger collaboration between African governments and private investors to scale innovation and infrastructure financing.

Nairobi Declaration expected at close of summit

The three-day meeting is expected to conclude on 12 May with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, described by organisers as a landmark commitment between Kenya and France aimed at deepening cooperation for shared prosperity.

Officials say the declaration will outline priorities for future collaboration in investment, development financing and sustainable economic growth.

What’s next?

Observers will be watching closely to see whether the summit delivers concrete investment commitments and policy agreements beyond diplomatic discussions.

Business leaders are also expected to use the gathering to announce new partnerships and investment opportunities across African markets.

The outcome of the Nairobi Declaration could shape future cooperation between African economies and European partners in sectors ranging from agriculture to technology.

Union Bank of Nigeria has won the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award (2025) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, organised by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

The recognition highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s banking sector, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are prioritising speed, reliability and practical support over traditional banking scale.

Unlike previous awards that focused on product range, ASBON said its criteria centred on a key question: which banks are actually making it easier for entrepreneurs to operate?

Why it matters

SMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for the majority of jobs and a significant share of economic activity.

But many business owners now define success less by expansion and more by stability — steady cashflow, reliable payments and timely access to financing.

For many entrepreneurs, delays in account setup, payment failures or slow loan approvals can mean missed opportunities or stalled operations.

Union Bank’s recognition comes as financial institutions face increasing pressure to respond to these day-to-day realities.

Faster onboarding and digital tools

One of the biggest barriers for SMEs has been slow account opening and onboarding processes.

Union Bank said it addressed this through upgrades to its Union360 platform and the rollout of a Straight-Through-Processing (STP) Digital Onboarding Platform.

The goal was to reduce the time between account opening and active transactions.

The bank said the improvements have shortened onboarding timelines, increased digital usage among SME customers and attracted new business clients.

Industry analysts say such changes are critical in a market where businesses often rely on multiple payment channels including transfers, POS systems and mobile money within a single day.

Financing beyond traditional collateral

Access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges for Nigerian SMEs, particularly for businesses without formal collateral or audited financial records.

Union Bank said it has adjusted its lending approach by placing more emphasis on transaction history, account activity and cashflow patterns.

This allows businesses with limited paperwork but active operations to qualify for financing.

Loans during the review period were largely directed toward working capital, inventory and operational expansion.

The human connection

Despite increased digitisation, experts say personal relationships still play a critical role in SME banking.

Union Bank said its SME strategy includes relationship managers, sales agents and branch networks across Nigeria.

Its “Adopt, Engage and Grow” campaign was designed to maintain continuous engagement with entrepreneurs rather than one-off interactions.

Partnership with ASBON

Union Bank’s recognition is also linked to its collaboration with ASBON through the SME Empowerment Challenge.

The initiative encouraged entrepreneurs to open or reactivate business accounts, maintain proper transaction records and develop structured growth plans.

Experts say this kind of discipline, separating personal and business finances and keeping clear records is essential for accessing loans, grants and contracts.

Industry reactions

Stakeholders say the award reflects a broader transformation in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Government-backed SME programmes have also increasingly emphasised financial inclusion and access to credit as key drivers of economic growth.

What’s next

As Nigeria’s economic environment remains challenging, SMEs are expected to demand even more responsive banking services.

Analysts say banks that invest in faster systems, flexible credit models and real customer engagement will be better positioned to capture the growing SME market.

Union Bank’s award, they add, may signal a competitive shift across the industry rather than a final destination.

Polaris Bank has supported the launch of a new export support call centre by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in a move aimed at helping Nigerian exporters particularly in the non-oil sector expand into global markets.

The initiative is designed to provide real-time guidance, regulatory support and technical assistance to businesses navigating international trade.

Why It Matters

Nigeria has long sought to diversify its economy away from oil, with non-oil exports seen as a key driver of sustainable growth.

However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges such as limited access to trade information, financing gaps and complex export documentation.

The NACCIMA Export Support Call Centre is expected to address some of these barriers by offering a centralised platform for exporters to access critical support.

What Polaris Bank Is Saying

Speaking at the launch, Polaris Bank Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for Nigerian businesses.

“Today, we are marking a pivotal moment in our mission to empower Nigerian businesses for global markets,” he said.

“Through this collaboration, we are equipping exporters with the tools, infrastructure, and expertise needed to thrive in global markets.”

He added that the call centre would serve as more than just a help desk.

“This center is not just a call center; it is a catalyst for success, providing exporters with the resources, knowledge, and access they need to excel.”

What the Call Centre Offers

The facility will provide exporters with:

Real-time trade information

Regulatory and documentation guidance

Technical and advisory support

Market access insights

Polaris Bank has also provided infrastructure to power the centre, including laptops, internet-enabled devices, workstations and high-capacity printers.

Industry Perspective

Trade experts say initiatives like this could improve Nigeria’s export competitiveness if properly implemented.

Broader Economic Context

The partnership aligns with ongoing efforts to boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Polaris Bank said its digital platform, VULTe, already supports cross-border payments through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), helping businesses trade more efficiently across the continent.

The bank also provides financing options such as working capital support and stock refinancing, alongside advisory services for export documentation like the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form.

What’s Next

Stakeholders say the success of the call centre will depend on awareness, accessibility and sustained funding.

If widely adopted, it could help more Nigerian businesses scale internationally and contribute to foreign exchange earnings.

Polaris Bank says it plans to continue investing in initiatives that support SMEs and strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem.