Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently presided over the official send-off ceremony for the Senegalese delegation heading to Nairobi. This significant ‘Africa Forward’ summit, which gathers heads of state, major financial backers, and key private sector players, is set to continue until May 13, 2026, in Kenya.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is already present at the event, will be joined by a ministerial team and financial experts. Their collective aim is to articulate a transformative vision on the international stage.
Before their departure, the head of government articulated a resolute policy, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to sovereignty: « Our mission in Nairobi is to champion a distinct approach: true development is unattainable without sovereignty, and sovereignty itself hinges on autonomous financial backing ».
For Dakar, the objective extends beyond mere participation; it is about actively influencing the restructuring of the continent’s financing mechanisms and eliminating conditionalities that are perceived as stifling for African economies.
The ‘Africa Forward’ summit introduces an innovative format for discussions between the African continent and France. Key debates are expected to focus on critical issues such as debt restructuring, funding for essential infrastructure, the ongoing energy transition, and pressing peace challenges.
Senegal is committed to advocating for more equitable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), aiming to mobilize vital resources while simultaneously safeguarding the country’s strategic decision-making autonomy.
