The list of political and business guests for this major Africa-France summit is taking shape, as is the organization of side events in the Kenyan capital. Issues related to youth, sports, and nuclear energy are expected to be addressed, according to Africa Intelligence.
Several African heads of state are expected to discuss issues of innovation, sovereignty, and growth.
West Africa: Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria).
East Africa: William Ruto (Host, Kenya), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), and Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (Djibouti).
Other regions: Mahamat Idriss Déby (Chad), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), and Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi/AU). António Guterres (UN Secretary-General) is also expected. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declined the invitation due to a busy schedule. Leaders of the Sahel Alliance were not invited.
The presence of Félix Tshisekedi remains the main question mark over the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi (May 11-12, 2026).
Tensions with Rwanda are at their highest. Kinshasa continues to accuse Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels who occupy parts of North Kivu, despite several attempts at international mediation.
Refusal of Face-to-Face Meetings
The Congolese president is reluctant to participate in events where Paul Kagame is present and prominent, in order to avoid any appearance of normalization without a prior withdrawal of Rwandan troops.
It should be noted that Congolese intelligence services have advised President Félix Tshisekedi against certain trips abroad in this climate of acute security crisis in the East. To avoid a “policy of the empty chair” on crucial economic issues (such as AI or civilian nuclear power), the DRC is considering representation by Judith Suminwa Tuluka. The Prime Minister is tipped to lead the Congolese delegation to Kenya. This would allow the DRC to participate in discussions on critical minerals and development financing without involving the President’s high-level diplomacy.
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