President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to begin a three-nation trip aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships and attracting investment into the country. The President will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for official visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda.
According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the trip will include participation in two major international gatherings—the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi and the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
The presidency said the visit is part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to position Nigeria as a key player in global economic and political discussions, especially in areas such as energy, climate action, and economic growth.
President Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, where he is expected to hold engagements before proceeding to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. While details of his meetings in France were not fully disclosed, officials say they will focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, especially in trade, security, and development cooperation.
France has remained an important partner to many African countries, including Nigeria, in areas such as defence, infrastructure, and energy. In recent years, there has been growing attention on how African nations can work more closely with European partners to address common challenges, including climate change and economic development.
After his visit to France, President Tinubu will travel to Nairobi to attend the Africa-France Summit, scheduled to hold from May 11 to May 12. The summit will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.
The Africa-France Summit is expected to bring together several African heads of state, policymakers, and business leaders. The focus will be on building stronger partnerships between African countries and France in key sectors that can drive growth and development.
This year’s summit carries the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” Discussions will centre on important issues such as energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, and climate action.
Other key topics include the restructuring of global financial systems to better support developing countries, as well as strategies to boost infrastructure, empower young people, and promote peace and stability across the continent.
For Nigeria, participation in the summit is seen as an opportunity to present its economic reform agenda and attract foreign investment. Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has introduced several policies aimed at stabilising the economy, improving revenue generation, and encouraging private sector growth.
Government officials say the President will use the platform to highlight these reforms and explain how Nigeria is creating a more business-friendly environment. He is also expected to meet with global investors and development partners on the sidelines of the event.
Following the summit in Kenya, President Tinubu will travel to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to attend the Africa CEO Forum from May 14 to May 15. The forum is regarded as one of the leading gatherings of business leaders and policymakers on the continent.
This year’s edition has the theme “Scale or Fail,” reflecting the need for African businesses to expand and compete on a larger scale. The event is organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation and is expected to attract over 2,000 participants, including chief executives, investors, and government officials.
The Africa CEO Forum provides a platform for discussions on how to accelerate economic transformation in Africa. Key areas of focus include regional integration, cross-border investment, and the development of strong and competitive industries.
During both the Africa-France Summit and the Africa CEO Forum, President Tinubu is expected to deliver speeches outlining his administration’s vision for Nigeria. He will also participate in panel discussions and hold private meetings with other leaders and top business executives.
Nigeria has traditionally played a leading role in African diplomacy and regional cooperation. Observers say President Tinubu’s participation in these high-level meetings is in line with that role and reflects the country’s interest in shaping discussions on the continent’s future.
The inclusion of both political and business-focused events in the trip also highlights the government’s approach to combining diplomacy with economic development. By attending both summits, the President aims to strengthen ties not only with other governments but also with private sector players who are key to driving investment.
President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by several ministers and senior government officials. Their presence is expected to support discussions in different sectors, including finance, trade, energy, and foreign affairs.
The presidency has not released the full list of the delegation, but such trips usually include key cabinet members whose portfolios are directly related to the issues being discussed at international meetings.
At the end of the Rwanda summit, the President is expected to return to Nigeria. Officials say the outcomes of the trip will help shape future policies and partnerships aimed at improving the country’s economic outlook.
As Nigeria continues to navigate a changing global environment, the government is placing increasing importance on international cooperation. The three-nation trip by President Tinubu is one of several steps being taken to strengthen Nigeria’s position on the world stage and attract the support needed for long-term growth.