Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for investment in infrastructure, jobs and regional trade to become a more prominent part of international efforts to prevent conflict.

Afolabi made the call in New York, United States, during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Global Executive Roundtable on Diplomacy, Multilateralism and Conflict Resolution.

He argued that conflict prevention should not focus only on diplomatic intervention after tensions have escalated, but should also address economic conditions that can contribute to instability.

“Peace creates the environment for investment, investment creates opportunity, and opportunity strengthens the foundations of peace.”

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Why investment matters to peacebuilding

Afolabi said the global community is dealing with overlapping challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate pressures, inequality and declining confidence in institutions.

He said these challenges require a broader response combining diplomacy and conflict resolution with sustainable economic development.

For Africa, he identified infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, trade barriers and inadequate economic opportunities as issues that continue to affect development.

According to him, investment should therefore form part of the continent’s broader peacebuilding agenda.

“Africa’s peace building agenda must be accompanied by an investment agenda. We need investment in transport infrastructure, ports, energy, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education and human capital.”

AfCFTA needs infrastructure, Afolabi says

Afolabi also linked economic integration to conflict prevention, arguing that stronger commercial ties can create shared interests between countries.

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would require more than agreements between governments to deliver its full potential.

“Trade and connectivity can create shared interests among nations. The success of AfCFTA depends not only on trade agreements but on infrastructure, efficient logistics, digital systems, financing and political cooperation.”

The AfCFTA is designed to create a single market for goods and services across participating African countries. Its effectiveness, however, depends in part on the ability of businesses to move goods, access markets and make cross-border transactions efficiently.

Better roads, ports, rail links, energy supply, digital infrastructure and access to finance can reduce some of the practical barriers to regional commerce.

Private sector role in economic connectivity

Afolabi said businesses can contribute to economic cooperation by creating connections between communities, markets and countries.

He cited SIFAX Group’s operations in maritime, logistics, aviation, financial services, oil and gas and hospitality as examples of sectors through which private investment can support economic connectivity.

He argued that infrastructure should not be viewed solely as a commercial concern.

“A functioning logistics system can connect farmers to markets, manufacturers to consumers, businesses to international value chains and countries to one another.”

According to him, these connections can create economic interests that encourage cooperation and make infrastructure part of a wider peacebuilding strategy.

From conflict response to prevention

Afolabi’s argument places economic opportunity alongside diplomacy as a tool for addressing the conditions that can contribute to instability.

The approach does not suggest that investment alone can prevent conflict. Political disputes, governance challenges, security concerns and social tensions can have multiple causes and often require diplomatic, institutional and security responses.

But the SIFAX chairman said economic inclusion should receive greater attention in international discussions on conflict prevention.

His remarks come as African governments continue to pursue greater regional economic integration while facing challenges around infrastructure financing, industrialisation, trade logistics and access to markets.

France has launched a renewed diplomatic and economic push in Africa at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where President Emmanuel Macron pledged a new era of “equal partnership” with African nations.

The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Macron, has drawn about 4,000 delegates from Africa, France, and other European countries. More than 30 African leaders are also attending.

The event comes at a time when France is facing declining influence in several former colonies in West and Central Africa, where military-led governments and growing anti-French sentiment have challenged Paris’ traditional role on the continent.

French officials hope the Nairobi summit will help reposition France as a modern partner focused on mutual economic growth rather than old-style political influence.

Macron: “France Is Here to Listen”

Speaking during the opening session of a youth-focused networking event ahead of the summit, President Macron said France was seeking a different kind of relationship with African nations.

“France is not in Kenya to tell Kenyans what to do,” Macron said.

He added that France “does not also have the means to help in the old way,” stressing that Paris was in Nairobi “to listen and to understand the dreams of Kenyans and what they are building for themselves.”

Macron said Africa and France should work as equal partners, especially in sectors such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, infrastructure, sports, and the creative industries.

The French president also warned that global competition in artificial intelligence is increasingly being dominated by the United States and Russia, arguing that Africa and Europe should collaborate more closely in emerging technologies.

Ruto Pushes Digital Growth and Financial Reform

President William Ruto used the summit to highlight Kenya’s digital ambitions and infrastructure investments.

Ruto said his government was expanding fibre optic connections across Kenya to support what he described as a digital revolution.

He also described the summit as:

“A renewed and forward-looking partnership between Africa and France, grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a clear commitment to delivering tangible outcomes.”

The Kenyan leader further called for reforms to the global financial system, arguing that African countries continue to face unfair economic conditions.

According to Ruto, future partnerships between Africa and Western nations must move away from “pre-written narratives” that have historically shaped international relations with the continent.

“The Africa Forward Summit would break barriers and focus on solutions,” he said.

Why the Summit Matters

The summit reflects France’s attempt to redefine its role in Africa after a series of diplomatic and military setbacks in countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

In recent years, several African governments have reduced military cooperation with France, while public protests against French influence have intensified in some regions.

Analysts say France is now shifting toward softer diplomacy built around trade, innovation, youth engagement, and cultural partnerships.

The summit’s focus on artificial intelligence, infrastructure, agriculture, sports, and entertainment also reflects Africa’s growing importance as a fast-expanding market with one of the world’s youngest populations.

Focus on Youth, Culture and Innovation

Monday’s pre-summit activities centred on young entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and innovators.

Organisers said the sessions were designed to encourage collaboration between African and European businesses in the creative economy, sports development, and digital innovation.

Observers say this approach signals a broader effort by France to engage directly with Africa’s younger generation, many of whom have criticised past French policies on the continent.

What Comes Next

Leaders at the summit are expected to discuss new investment agreements, technology partnerships, and infrastructure financing initiatives over the coming days.

Attention will also focus on whether the summit produces concrete economic outcomes or remains largely symbolic.

For African governments, the challenge will be balancing foreign partnerships while maintaining national interests and economic independence.

For France, the summit represents a test of whether it can rebuild trust and relevance in a rapidly changing Africa.

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.