Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko leads delegation to Nairobi summit

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, officially launched the Senegalese delegation today as it prepares to depart for Nairobi. The high-profile Africa Forward summit, running until 13 May 2026 in Kenya, will see heads of state, international donors, and key private sector players converge to shape Africa’s economic future.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already on the ground, will be accompanied by a ministerial team and financial experts. Together, they aim to champion a bold agenda focused on financial sovereignty and self-reliant development.

Breaking free from restrictive financing models

Speaking before departure, Sonko emphasized a firm stance: “We go to Nairobi to uphold a clear principle—no development without sovereignty, no sovereignty without autonomous funding.”

This mission goes beyond mere participation. The goal is to challenge outdated financing structures that stifle African economies. The Africa Forward summit introduces a fresh dialogue format between Africa and France, tackling critical issues like debt restructuring, infrastructure financing, energy transition, and regional security.

Pushing for fairer public-private partnerships

Senegal is advocating for more balanced public-private partnerships (PPPs) that unlock capital while safeguarding the country’s strategic independence. The delegation will push for solutions that prioritize national priorities over external impositions.