President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering focused on economic transformation, regional cooperation and sustainable development across the continent.
President Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at about 12:18 a.m. local time on Monday.
The Nigerian leader was received by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, senior Kenyan government officials and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kenya.
The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, business executives and development partners to discuss strategies for accelerating growth and prosperity across Africa.
Key issues on the agenda include trade expansion, digital innovation, infrastructure development, climate resilience and regional economic integration.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s participation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening African unity and promoting strategic partnerships across the continent.
“President Tinubu’s participation in the summit underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to advancing African unity, deepening regional economic cooperation, and fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across the continent,” the statement said.
The Presidency added that the summit would provide an opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to explore practical solutions to the continent’s economic and development challenges.
“The Africa Forward Summit brings together Heads of State, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on innovative pathways for economic transformation, trade expansion, digital innovation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and collective prosperity for the continent,” the statement added.
President Tinubu is also expected to engage in bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties with other African countries.
“During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level bilateral and multilateral discussions to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with fellow African nations, while reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the continent’s future,” the Presidency stated.
The statement further noted that the President’s attendance aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its support for Africa-led solutions to continental issues.
“The President’s attendance reflects the administration’s steadfast dedication to promoting Africa-driven solutions to continental challenges and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic international engagement,” it said.
President Tinubu is accompanied by several senior government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Others on the delegation are Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ambassador Ayodele Oke.