By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for official visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s international engagements and economic partnerships.
In a statement issued on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President’s itinerary will begin with a stop in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa-France Summit scheduled to commence next week.
The summit, co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, will focus on key issues including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and reforms to the global financial architecture.
Onanuga said President Tinubu’s participation in the summit, slated for May 11 to 12, will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with African countries and France.
With the theme, “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the forum will bring together African leaders and their French counterparts to deliberate on economic transformation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, technological advancement and peace-building.
Following the summit in Kenya, the President will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the Africa CEO Forum holding from May 14 to 15.
According to the presidential spokesman, the forum, organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, will convene over 2,000 business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore strategies for accelerating Africa’s economic growth through regional integration and cross-border investments.
The 2026 edition, themed “Scale or Fail,” is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on building competitive industries and enhancing economic resilience across the continent.
Onanuga said President Tinubu will deliver statements at both summits, outlining his administration’s ongoing reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for investment.
He added that the President will also hold high-level meetings with global and African business leaders during the trip.
He said President Tinubu will be accompanied by some ministers and senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding engagements in Rwanda.
