Senegal’s prime minister ousmane sonko launches delegation for africa forward summit in Nairobi

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently presided over the official send-off ceremony for the Senegalese delegation bound for Nairobi. This significant gathering, known as the Africa Forward summit, is scheduled to take place in Kenya until May 13, 2026. The high-level event brings together various stakeholders, including heads of state, influential funders, and key players from the private sector. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already on location, will be joined by a team of ministers and financial experts, all committed to articulating a transformative vision on the global stage.

Prior to their departure, the head of the Government underscored a clear and unwavering directive, aligning with Senegal’s commitment to national sovereignty: “Our objective in Nairobi is to advocate for a distinct principle: development is unattainable without sovereignty, and sovereignty cannot exist without self-sufficient financing.” For Dakar, the ambition extends beyond mere participation; it is about actively shaping the redefinition of financial frameworks for the African continent, aiming to eliminate conditionalities that are often perceived as stifling for African economies.

The Africa Forward summit introduces an innovative dialogue format, fostering discussions between the African continent and France. The agenda will address critical issues such as debt restructuring, securing funding for essential infrastructure projects, advancing energy transition initiatives, and navigating peace challenges. Senegal is particularly focused on championing more equitable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), designed to mobilize vital resources while simultaneously safeguarding the nation’s freedom in making strategic choices.