Nairobi in Focus as AU and Kenya Shape France–Africa Summit Agenda

On the margins of the 48th AU Executive Council, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Kenya.

The high-level engagement focused on preparations for the France–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Nairobi in May this year. Both leaders exchanged views on the direction of the Summit and the need to ensure that its outcomes align with Africa’s strategic priorities.

The Chairperson commended Kenya’s regional leadership and reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the Summit. He emphasised the importance of grounding discussions and outcomes in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development blueprint.

Institutional reform of the African Union also featured prominently in the talks. The Chairperson and Mr Mudavadi underscored the importance of advancing reform efforts championed by H.E. William Ruto, aimed at strengthening the Union’s effectiveness and strategic coherence.

As Nairobi prepares to host a major global gathering, the diplomatic message is firm: Africa’s partnerships must reflect African priorities. For a continent whose institutions are still consolidating their authority, alignment, reform and ownership are not abstract ideals but necessary foundations. Africa remains young in its modern institutional journey, yet increasingly clear in its voice. That clarity, if sustained, will define how the continent shapes its place in global decision-making.