African leaders meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit have called for a shift towards equal and investment-driven partnerships between Africa and global powers, with President William Ruto urging an end to dependency-based relations.
Addressing delegates during the opening session at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), President Ruto said Africa’s future development must be anchored on mutually beneficial cooperation, fair financing systems, and increased domestic investment.
“The times before us demand stronger cooperation and partnerships grounded on sovereign equality, mutual respect and shared responsibility,” Ruto said.
The summit, co-chaired by President Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together more than 20 African Heads of State and Government, senior United Nations officials, and development partners.
Discussions focused on economic transformation, infrastructure financing, climate action, digital innovation, and reform of global financial institutions.
Ruto criticised what he termed structural inequalities within the international financial system, saying African countries continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to affordable financing despite growing economic potential.
He said Africa should increasingly rely on domestic resource mobilisation and private sector investment to fund development projects.
The President also backed the establishment of the African Credit Rating Agency, arguing it would help address unfair risk assessments that discourage investment on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France was seeking a renewed partnership with Africa based on shared interests and economic cooperation.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed calls for reforms in global governance institutions, saying Africa remains underrepresented in major international decision-making bodies, including the UN Security Council.
The summit further explored issues of regional peace and security, youth empowerment, industrialisation, and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Several African leaders attended the meeting, including Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, John Mahama of Ghana, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Africa Forward Summit 2026 has brought together African leaders and international partners to discuss the continent’s economic and governance priorities.
