Andrew Wasike
May 11, 2026•Updated: May 11, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration in technology, energy, and innovation between Africa and Europe during the Africa Progress Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. His remarks came at a high-level youth engagement forum at the University of Nairobi, where he spoke alongside Kenyan President William Ruto.
During his address, Macron pointed out that both Africa and Europe are grappling with similar challenges in reducing their reliance on major global powers for technological solutions, which are predominantly developed in the United States and China. He remarked, “Currently, many of us are consumers,” stressing a shared goal of achieving strategic autonomy through increased investment.
The French leader underscored the necessity of bolstering infrastructure and energy investments to foster artificial intelligence and digital growth on both continents. He warned, “Without energy, we have no chance to build AI infrastructure or computing capacity,” advocating for a significant shift towards renewable energies and alternative energy sources.
In addition to infrastructure investment, Macron announced initiatives to enhance educational partnerships between French institutions and African universities, aiming to broaden technical training programs across the continent. He highlighted the Orange Digital Center’s objective of training one million African youth by 2030, facilitated by the establishment of 50 new digital centers.
President Ruto of Kenya reaffirmed his government’s commitment to empowering young people, stating, “Our young people are the present and the future. We are dedicated to cultivating the support system they need to transform their ideas into solutions for our diverse challenges.” He also discussed a collaboration with France to develop the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex, envisioned as a center of excellence for research in Kenya and the surrounding region.
Notable Leaders Gather for the Africa Progress Summit
The two-day summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France, has attracted a diverse group of leaders, including heads of state, business executives, development partners, and technology innovators, all united in dialogue about trade, industrial growth, and investment prospects across Africa.
Among the attendees was UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with notable African leaders such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, President Bashir Diomai Faye of Senegal, President Brice Origui Nguema of Gabon, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, and President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.
Morocco’s delegation included Prime Minister Aziz Akhanoush, while Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam also took part in the discussions. More than 30 heads of state and government are participating in the Africa Forward Summit, which aims to promote investment, strengthen industrial alliances, and accelerate infrastructure and technological advancements throughout Africa, as stated by the organizers.
