Senegal’s delegation heads to Nairobi for the africa forward summit

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko officially launched the Senegalese delegation’s journey to Nairobi this morning. This high-level “Africa Forward” summit, running until May 13, 2026, in Kenya, gathers heads of state, financial backers, and key private sector players. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already present, will be joined by a ministerial team and financial experts, aiming to articulate a transformative vision on the international stage.

Prior to their departure, the head of government emphatically conveyed a clear directive, consistent with the national sovereignty agenda: “Our mission in Nairobi is to advocate for a distinct principle: no development without sovereignty, and no sovereignty without independent financing.” For Dakar, the objective extends beyond mere participation; it’s about influencing the restructuring of continental financing mechanisms, striving to eliminate conditions perceived as restrictive for African economies.

The “Africa Forward” summit introduces an innovative dialogue structure between the African continent and France. Discussions will encompass vital themes such as debt restructuring, funding for critical infrastructure, the energy transition, and peace initiatives. Senegal is committed to advancing more equitable public-private partnerships (PPPs), facilitating resource mobilization while safeguarding the nation’s strategic autonomy.