Tinubu arrives Kenya ahead of Africa-France summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Nairobi ahead of the Africa-France Summit scheduled to open later on Monday.

According to the State House media office, the Airbus A330-200 conveying the Nigerian leader landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at about 12:15 a.m. local time.

The visit marks Mr Tinubu’s second trip to Kenya since July 2023 and forms the second leg of his ongoing three-nation diplomatic tour.

Summit focus

The summit, jointly hosted by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, will run from 11 May to 12 May under the theme: “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”

Discussions are expected to centre on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, and reforms to the global financing architecture.

The Presidency said Mr Tinubu’s participation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African countries and France.

Economic reform agenda

Mr Tinubu is expected to deliver a keynote statement highlighting his administration’s economic reforms and efforts to position Nigeria as a major investment destination.

The President is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with African and international business leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Mr Tinubu arrived in Kenya from France, where he previously met global investors and reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

Next stop: Rwanda

After the Nairobi summit, Mr Tinubu is expected to travel to Kigali for the annual Africa CEO Forum scheduled for 14 May to 15 May.

He is expected to return to Nigeria after the Rwanda engagement, ahead of the ruling APC presidential primary fixed for 23 May.