Uganda to co-Host Africa-France Forward Summit 2026

December 3, 2025 in Trade & Industry by Editor

Hon. Mulimba with Amb Maangi-L- and Amb Leroy -R

Uganda has been named co-host of the Africa-France Forward Summit 2026, joining Kenya and France in steering a high-level dialogue on investment, technology, and regional infrastructure ahead of the Nairobi gathering in May 2026.

Uganda has been invited to co-host the 2026 Africa-France Forward Summit, underscoring its growing role in regional diplomacy and continental development priorities. The announcement followed a meeting on Wednesday between junior minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), John Mulimba, France’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash A. Maangi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.

The Summit—set for May 11–12, 2026 in Nairobi—will be jointly hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. Ambassador Leroy said France, working with Kenya and other partners, has identified agro-processing, energy transition, connectivity and transport, artificial intelligence and digital technology, and health as the key priority areas for deliberation.

Kenya’s High Commissioner Maangi noted that Uganda’s role extends beyond participation, highlighting “brotherly relations” and shared long-term economic interests as the basis for inviting Uganda to co-host the forum.

Mulimba welcomed the invite, pointing to France’s position as one of Uganda’s leading sources of foreign direct investment, particularly in oil and gas. He said the Summit provides an opportunity to deepen engagement around mutually beneficial priorities, including financing regional transport infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway.

The Minister added that Africa is seeking partnerships that move beyond traditional aid. “The Summit will be a game-changer, whose outcomes will guide relations between Africa and other development partners,” he said.

According to Ambassador Leroy, the meeting’s final outcome—the Nairobi Declaration—will be presented for adoption by the G7, which France will chair from June 2026.