Macron speaks at Africa Forward economic summit

On 12 May 2026, on the second day of the Africa Forward summit in Kenya, French President Macron pitched a new French partnership model. He said Africa’s economic sovereignty is key to shared prosperity. Ruto called for a new Africa-France partnership based on equality. The Telegraph wrote that Macron interrupted speakers to demand silence.

Gachagua told Macron and Guterres that “Your host Ruto is Kenya’s greatest threat” and called out Macron over a Sh7 billion payout. In a FRANCE 24 interview as the summit wrapped up, Macron spoke about Mali, immigration, the Sahel and DR Congo, and said he wants a dialogue with Rwanda and DR Congo.