By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday for a strategic three-nation visit to France, Kenya and Rwanda, as part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties and attract greater investment into Nigeria.
The Presidency said the visit will see the President participate in two major international economic gatherings (the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi and the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali), where African leaders, global investors and policymakers are expected to deliberate on the continent’s development priorities and growth opportunities.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s first stop will be France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa-France Summit scheduled for May 11 to May 12.
The summit, co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, will focus on critical issues including energy transition, green industrialisation, climate action, digital transformation and reforms of the global financing architecture.
With the theme, “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the summit is expected to provide a platform for African and French leaders to explore pathways for sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, youth empowerment and technological innovation across the continent.
The Presidency noted that President Tinubu’s participation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic while positioning the country as a preferred destination for investment and economic growth.
The meeting is also expected to provide opportunities for bilateral engagements between President Tinubu and other world leaders, development institutions and investors seeking to expand their footprint in Africa’s largest economy.
Following the Nairobi summit, the Nigerian leader will proceed to Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14 and May 15.
The annual gathering, regarded as one of Africa’s most influential private sector forums, will bring together over 2,000 business executives, investors, policymakers and development partners from across the continent and beyond.
This year’s forum, themed “Scale or Fail,” will focus on accelerating economic transformation through regional integration, industrial competitiveness and increased cross-border investments.
Organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the forum will examine strategies for building resilient African industries and unlocking the continent’s economic potential through stronger public-private collaboration.
The Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu will use both summits to present his administration’s reform agenda and ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth.
“He will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth”, the statement said.
Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has pursued a range of economic reforms targeted at stabilising public finances, improving the investment climate, enhancing infrastructure and promoting private sector participation in key sectors of the economy.
President Tinubu is also expected to hold high-level meetings with leading African and international business executives on the sidelines of the summits as part of broader efforts to secure new investment commitments and strengthen economic partnerships.
He will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials, ministers and aides and is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in Rwanda.
