Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently presided over the official send-off ceremony for the Senegalese delegation heading to Nairobi. This significant high-level gathering, dubbed the « Africa Forward » summit, is set to convene in Kenya until May 13, 2026. It brings together heads of state, major financial backers, and key private sector stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already on location, will be joined by a robust team of ministers and financial experts, all poised to advocate for a transformative approach on the global stage.
Before their departure, the head of government articulated a clear strategic directive, aligning with the nation’s commitment to national sovereignty: « We are going to Nairobi to champion a precise principle: there can be no true development without sovereignty, and no genuine sovereignty without autonomous financing. » For Dakar, the objective extends beyond mere participation; it is about significantly influencing the redefinition of Africa’s financial mechanisms. The aim is to dismantle conditionalities often perceived as stifling for the continent’s economies.
The « Africa Forward » summit introduces an innovative framework for dialogue between the African continent and France. Discussions are anticipated to cover critical issues such as debt restructuring, funding for essential infrastructure projects, the imperative of energy transition, and pressing peace and security challenges. Senegal is steadfast in its resolve to promote more equitable public-private partnerships (PPPs). These partnerships are designed to mobilize vital resources while crucially safeguarding the nation’s strategic autonomy and freedom of choice.