President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the Africa-France Summit, a major gathering expected to focus on investment, innovation, climate action and economic cooperation between African countries and France.
Tinubu landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the early hours of Monday aboard an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, according to a statement released by the State House media office.
The summit, which opens later on Monday and ends on May 12, is being co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.
This is Tinubu’s second visit to Kenya since assuming office in May 2023 and forms part of a three-nation diplomatic and investment tour aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships and attracting foreign investment into the country.
Before arriving in Nairobi, the Nigerian leader had stopped in France, where he met with global investors and business executives. During the meetings, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, fiscal discipline and policies designed to improve Nigeria’s investment climate.
The Africa-France Summit is holding under the theme, “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” Discussions at the event are expected to centre on energy transition, digital transformation, green industrialisation, climate action and the reform of global financial systems to better support developing countries.
Presidential officials said Tinubu would use the summit to present Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and encourage stronger cooperation between Nigeria, other African countries and France.
According to the Presidency, the President is expected to deliver a major address outlining his administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria as a leading destination for investment and business growth in Africa.
Tinubu is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with African leaders, international investors and top business executives on the sidelines of the summit.
Government officials believe the meetings could open new opportunities for Nigeria in key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, agriculture and manufacturing.
Since coming into office, Tinubu’s administration has introduced several economic policies aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence. These include the removal of petrol subsidy, reforms in the foreign exchange market and efforts to increase government revenue.
While the reforms have received support from international financial institutions and some investors, they have also triggered hardship for many Nigerians due to rising fuel prices, inflation and the increasing cost of living.
The Africa-France Summit is taking place at a time when African countries are seeking stronger partnerships to tackle economic difficulties, unemployment, climate change and infrastructure deficits.
France has also been trying to rebuild and strengthen its relationship with African countries following growing political and diplomatic tensions in parts of West and Central Africa in recent years.
For Nigeria, officials say the summit offers an opportunity to attract investment, deepen trade relations and strengthen cooperation in technology and clean energy development.
Tinubu’s visit is also expected to boost Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with Kenya, one of East Africa’s largest economies and a major regional player in technology, finance and aviation.
Nigeria and Kenya have continued to maintain strong relations over the years, especially in trade, banking and regional diplomacy through the African Union and other continental organisations.
After the Nairobi summit, Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the annual Africa CEO Forum taking place from May 14 to May 15.
The Africa CEO Forum is regarded as one of the continent’s biggest private sector gatherings, bringing together heads of state, investors, business leaders and policymakers to discuss Africa’s economic future.
At the forum, Tinubu is expected to engage with chief executives and investors interested in opportunities in Nigeria’s economy.
Officials familiar with the trip said the President would continue discussions on investment partnerships and economic cooperation during the Rwanda leg of the visit.
The Presidency said Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the Kigali meeting ahead of important political activities at home, including the All Progressives Congress presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
The trip comes as the administration continues to seek international support for its economic recovery plans and broader development agenda.