By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a three-nation trip covering France, Kenya and Rwanda, as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s international partnerships and economic engagements.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with his first stop in France before proceeding to Nairobi for the Africa–France Summit.
The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, is scheduled to hold from May 11 to 12.
It is expected to focus on key issues including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financing reforms and climate action.
“President Tinubu’s participation… will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic,” the statement said.
The summit, themed “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth”, will bring together African leaders and their French counterparts to deliberate on economic transformation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and peace-building initiatives.
Following the Nairobi meeting, Tinubu will travel to Kigali to attend the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14 to 15.
The forum, organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, is expected to attract over 2,000 business leaders, investors and policymakers from across the continent and beyond.
“With the theme ‘Scale or Fail’, the forum will focus on accelerating economic transformation through regional integration and increased cross-border investment,” the Presidency stated.
At both engagements, President Tinubu is expected to present Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and highlight investment opportunities aimed at positioning the country as a preferred destination for global capital.
“He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders,” the statement added.
The President will be accompanied by senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the Rwanda engagement.
