President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, early yesterday to participate in the Africa-France Summit, set to run from May 12 to 13. His aircraft touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at approximately 12:15 a.m. local time, where he was warmly received by both Nigerian and Kenyan officials.
Among the high-profile Nigerian delegation were Finance and Coordinating Minister Taiwo Oyedele, Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, Special Adviser on Policy Communication Daniel Bwala, NIA Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Ambassador Ayodele Oke.
The Africa-France Summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, carries the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” Leaders are expected to deliberate on pivotal topics including energy transition, green industrialization, digital transformation, climate action, and global financing reforms.
President Tinubu’s presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and France, while highlighting his administration’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a premier investment destination.
This visit is part of Tinubu’s three-nation diplomatic tour, which commenced with his departure from Abuja on May 3 and includes France, Kenya, and Rwanda. Following Nairobi, he will head to Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum from May 14 to 15, themed “Scale or Fail.” The forum, one of Africa’s largest gatherings of private sector leaders, policymakers, and investors, is expected to attract over 2,000 participants to discuss strategies for economic growth, regional integration, and cross-border investment.
Beyond official meetings, President Tinubu will engage with global and African business leaders before concluding his tour and returning to Nigeria.
