Africa Forward Summit Talks Begin as Kenya Pushes for Investment in AI and Industry

Kenya has placed transport networks, artificial intelligence and industrial expansion at the centre of its agenda during the Africa Forward Summit 2026, where governments and investors are meeting to discuss the continent’s economic direction.

The conference, running from May 10 to May 12, brings together political leaders, financiers, private companies and civic organisations for talks on development funding, technology adoption and regional growth strategies.

According to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Kenya intends to use the forum to advance discussions around roads, energy systems, communications infrastructure and manufacturing capacity as pressure builds on African economies to modernise production and trade networks.

The Nairobi-backed agenda extends beyond physical infrastructure. Delegates are also expected to debate access to international climate funding and the restructuring of global financing systems that many African states argue remain difficult to access for long-term development projects.

Technology policy is expected to take a larger role during this year’s sessions, with artificial intelligence, digital services and innovation ecosystems featuring across several programmes tied to economic competitiveness and public sector transformation.

Organisers have scheduled additional discussions on green industry, healthcare production, maritime resource management and regional security cooperation. Separate sessions targeting young entrepreneurs, civil society groups and business executives are also planned across the summit period.

Kenya is also expected to reference preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which it will jointly host with neighbouring countries, as part of a broader effort to connect sports investment with tourism and commercial activity.

The Africa Forward Summit arrives as African governments compete more aggressively for infrastructure capital, technology partnerships and industrial investment amid tighter global financing conditions.

“Discussions will focus on transport infrastructure, energy, communication systems and industrial development through manufacturing and digital transformation,” Mwaura said.

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