Tinubu, African leaders seek new economic order in Kenya

…meets CAF President Motsepe, others

​President Bola Tinubu joined other African leaders and global partners at the France-Africa summit on Tuesday to evolve a new economic order for the continent. The leaders met at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, to seek new ways of deepening economic ties to transform innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth across the continent.

​The Africa Forward Summit, themed “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” is expected to produce new commitments aimed at deepening cooperation between African nations and global partners in critical development sectors.

​Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto of Kenya, the summit brought together heads of state, policymakers, investors, and business leaders. The delegation deliberated on key issues including energy transition, industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, and reforms of the global financial architecture.

​The Nigerian leader participated in high-level engagements and plenary sessions alongside other African leaders. During these sessions, he highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and the administration’s commitment to creating a more stable and investment-friendly business environment.

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​On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu also held bilateral engagements with President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar. Both leaders explored avenues for strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Madagascar.

​President Tinubu used the opportunity to reiterate the need for stronger intra-African collaboration and strategic partnerships. He noted that such alliances are capable of accelerating economic growth, expanding trade opportunities, and promoting innovation-driven development across the continent.

​Football and private sector synergy

​President Tinubu also held discussions with President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe on the sidelines. According to its X handle, CAF said its president discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between governments, the football ecosystem, and the private sector to drive development initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa.

​“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the Nigerian Head of State, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, met today on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi,” the organisation wrote. The parties discussed several topics, particularly cooperation between the government, football, and the private sector in Nigeria and in Africa. Details of the president’s engagements were still expected at the time of this report.